Chapter 316

A sinister glint flashed in Emily Lowell's eyes.

If the Lowells had disposed of Sophia Laurent earlier, she wouldn't have been reduced to this state.

As the sole heiress of the Lowell family, she should have been living carefree.

Time was running out. She needed to act fast.

With the Lowell family's decline, she had to secure her own future.

Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.

"Emily, care to join me for dinner tonight?"

The man's warm voice instantly smoothed her furrowed brows. A sweet smile curved her lips.

"I finished filming early today..."

"Was the shoot exhausting?"

"Not too bad." Her voice softened. "Just these period costumes are so heavy..."

"Give me half an hour."

After hanging up, the tips of Emily's ears turned pink.

Richard Lowell had always been profit-driven. If not for her beauty, elite education, impeccable socialite reputation, and Ryan Cunningham's relentless six-month pursuit, she would have been the one married to that vegetative Alexander Valdemar.

The old fox wanted both the Valdemar and Cunningham alliances. That's why Sophia became the sacrificial lamb.

Ryan's courtship had become her lifeline.

Though furious about Derek Langley parachuting into Lowell Entertainment, Richard had to swallow his pride for the Cunninghams' sake.

Marrying into the Cunningham family would secure her future.

What touched her most was Ryan's unwavering affection despite knowing the shadows in her past.

Emily chose a pearl-white mermaid gown with understated elegance. A million-dollar diamond necklace sparkled at her collarbone, enhancing her ethereal beauty.

At the staircase landing, she encountered Richard.

"Going out so late?"

"Ryan invited me to dinner." She lowered her eyes demurely.

Richard's face brightened. "Shall I arrange a car?"

"He's picking me up personally."

Watching his daughter's bashful expression, Richard smiled wider. "Be safe."

As Emily left, Victoria Lowell emerged from the shadows.

"Finally..." She exhaled in relief.

"What's wrong?"

Victoria hesitated.

Those leaked photos of Emily getting cozy with her four adoptive brothers still haunted her.

For six months, Emily had played hard to get with Ryan.

Everything changed when Alexander fell into a coma after the accident.

Richard seized the chance to pawn Sophia off to the Valdemars while reserving the Cunninghams for Emily.

Victoria's greatest fear was a scandal between her adopted daughter and four sons.