Chapter 90

"Nothing online is dying down, and that video is still everywhere. If the drama keeps spreading, it'll end up ruining Violet's chances of going out in public," Sebastian said, his worry obvious.

There was something else bothering Sebastian, and he spoke up about it. "Violet has to compete in the national ballet competition soon. If this gets any bigger, she might not even be allowed to join."

He shot Rodger and Violet a look so stern it demanded attention.

"Put out something even juicier. I'll handle whatever comes next," Rodger said.

"Understood," Sebastian replied.

"We have to track down whoever started all this. Only then can we hit back the right way," Rodger explained,his face all serious.

He started to wonder about Emilia's connections. The memory of Emilia securing a one-in-a-million shot at life-saving treatment came back to him. If she used that as a bargaining chip, someone powerful would want to help.her out.

Was Emilia using that opportunity to reel in someone with real influence? The idea made Rodger's lips curl into a coId smile.

Emilia really was crafty-dangling that hope just to get close to someone rich. No wonder she found a new man so fast while still keeping him in the background.

There was no way he would let her win. Not only had Emilia left him as a backup, but she was also clinging to that rare treatment instead of letting Violet have it. The thought made him furious.

With a woman like that, full of tricks and spite, he knew she couldn't stay in the Mitchell family. He needed to end their marriage as soon as possible.

A long pause stretched between them before Sebastian finally gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll make sure the investigation keeps going."

In truth, Sebastian hadn't stopped searching for the one helping Emilia. But every effort had turned up nothing.Now, he could only keep digging, even though he had little faith anything would come of it.

Whoever Emilia's new lover was, he must be far more powerful than anyone in the Mitchell family.

Suspicion darkened Sebastian's gaze. He couldn't help but think Emilia had nerve-still married to Rodger,yet she had already moved on, keeping Rodger waiting in the wings.

And she had the nerve to hold onto Asclepius's rare medical chance instead of giving it up to help Violet.

There was no doubt in his mind: Emilia played by her own rules, always scheming,always unpredictable.

At the dance academy, Emilia had just slipped through the door when a familiar voice called her name.

"Emilia."

She froze, glancing over her shoulder to spot a tall man in a loose white tee and black sweatpants. With his baseball cap pulled low and a black mask hiding most of his face, she still knew right away-it was Edwin.

What could he possibly want with her now? A crease formed on Emilia's forehead as she regarded him coolly. "What brings you here? Were you looking for me?"

She remembered that she'd already stepped in for him once before. The money she had given was more than enough to help him break away from his old life and start over. If he showed up now hoping for more,she wouldn't show any mercy.

"That's right. I saw the online attacks against you and wanted to make sure you were safe. I was worried someone might try to mess with you," said Edwin, a shadow of disappointment flickering in his eyes.

Emilia's attitude stayed cold and detached, making it clear she wanted distance between them. The coldness stung, but Edwin could hardly blame her-they came from completely different worlds.

Still, it didn't matter to him. He was determined to improve himself, whether that meant standing with her or simply supporting her from afar.

"Emilia, I'm not here to bother you. Please don't get the wrong idea. If you want, I'll go right now. Just promise me you'll be careful-" Edwin explained, his voice tinged with nervous sincerity. Then something caught his attention, and his expression shifted to alarm. "Look out!"