Chapter 50

Violet's eyes darted up,and she spotted the security camera perched in the corner. The color drained from her face.

That camera had the perfect angle-every second of what happened would be caught in crystal-clear detail.

If someone reviewed the footage,her carefully crafted image as the gentle, innocent victim would be ruined in front of Rodger.

Violet's hands twisted nervously in her lap. No matter what, she couldn't let anyone check that recording.

Sebastian let out a mocking laugh. "Think that will daunt us? Everyone saw you push Violet!"

Rodger stepped closer and took Violet's hand in his, his touch gentle. He could feel her trembling and leaned in to comfort her. "It's alright, Violet. You don't have to be scared."

Fake tears glimmered in Violet's eyes as she stammered, "Rodger..."

"Tell me, was it Emilia who pushed you?"Rodger's voice grew soft, full of care.

Violet shook her head, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks. "No, it wasn't her. I lost my balance and fell."

Rodger squeezed her hand,his jaw set. "Alright.I understand."

When he turned to Emilia, his stare was as cold as ice-a silent warning that she was on thin ice with him. "Violet has always stood up for you.l don't need security footage to see what's happening-I know you're the one who pushed her. It doesn't matter how much you try to deny it. Emilia, I've put up with your behavior before,but if you keep targeting Violet and scheming against her..."

His gaze turned icy as it landed on Wilbur. "It won't matter who you turn to for help. If anything happens to Violet, you'll answer for it -with your life."

Without waiting for a reply, Rodger led Violet away,leaving Emilia behind without so much as a backward glance.Emilia watched them go, a sharp ache blooming in her chest as her fists clenched tight.

No matter what, Violet was always the one Rodger cared about most. His faith in her never wavered, not even for a moment.

Even with evidence right in front of him that could clear her name, he refused to look-choosing instead to believe the worst of her, no matter the truth.

In his eyes, Violet shone brighter than anyone,while she was just something to be scraped from the bottom of his shoe.

She had given Rodger her heart, only to have it trampled underfoot, met with nothing but his cold contempt.

Sebastian threw a look her way, his voice dripping with scorn. "Don't get too comfortable,Emilia. You think you can run around with all these men and get away with it? Sooner or later,it'll catch up with you."

He tossed one last glare at Wilbur before hurrying after his brother and Violet, his parting words hanging in the air like a warning. "Are you... alright?" Wilbur asked quietly, unsure if he should even break the silence.

He could only imagine how painful it must have been-having someone she cared about turn on her so publicly.

Rodger really had no idea what he'd just thrown away. He couldn't see the rare treasure right in front of him.

"I'm okay. And thank you for stepping in." Emilia managed a soft smile, tucking her hurt deep inside.

With her last ally in the Mitchell family gone,she knew she was truly on her own now. Not a single person left who would stand by her.

Wilbur shook his head. "If anyone deserves thanks, it's not me-it's my friend." He nodded toward a shadowy corner.

Emilia followed his gaze and caught a glimpse of a shoe sticking out from behind a pillar.

So Elias was there after all, not even trying to hide his presence completely.