Chapter 74

.Emilia agreed so quickly that Sebastian and Violet exchanged nervous glances. Something about the way Emilia gave in made it seem like she was planning something.

Most people figured Emilia had accepted her mistake and was ready to make things right. But then,in the blink of an eye, everything changed.

Without warning, Emilia shoved Violet hard, sending her crashing to the floor.

A sharp yelp escaped Violet as she hit the floor again, her hands scraping against the tiles, her elbows catching the brunt of the fall.

The sting made her face twist in pain. Tears slipped down her cheeks one after another, the sight pulling at the heartstrings of everyone watching.

Sebastian snapped, "Is this your idea of an apology, Emilia?"

With a wicked grin, Emilia lifted her brows. "That's right. I haven't done anything wrong, so I had nothing to apologize for before. Now that I've actually pushed her, I can finally say sorry naturally."

She bent down just enough to meet Violet's eyes, her smile as bright as ever. "Sorry for the shove. My bad.I hope you accept my heartfelt apology."

Through the haze of her tears, Violet managed to answer, "It's okay, Emilia. I shouldn't have upset you.This is all on me."

"I'm glad you understand. Next time, try not to point fingers at me for no reason." Emilia straightened and let out a cold laugh, brushing off Violet's words.

Pretending to be fragile had always seemed pointless to her. She believed power deserved to be shown,not hidden behind a mask of humility.

Those who held little authority tended to put on meek airs, hoping to please the ones above. For someone like her, high on the ladder, there was no need to stoop or pretend for the approval of people beneath her. On the rare occasion she bothered to show weakness, it was nothing but sport, a way to amuse herself by watching others scramble.

If those at the bottom played up their misery, it was just desperate pleading, a bid for scraps from those in charge. But when the powerful pretended to be soft, it only highlighted their control. The weak watched their superiors' moods, constantly afraid they'd be tossed aside, while the ones in charge tossed out favors only when it suited them. If the underlings became an eyesore, they were gone without a second thought.

Emilia's attitude, so openly defiant, had the onlookers buzzing among themselves. Yet, for all their whispers and sideways glances, nobody dared speak up too loudly.

Suspicion lingered in the air. No one could tell who she really was or whether she would seek revenge against anyone who crossed her. Some people seethed in silence, just waiting for the moment she might slip up.

Someone in the back, thinking they could start a firestorm, secretly filmed the whole confrontation,hoping the internet's sharp-eyed crowd would unmask Emilia and destroy everything she had.

Sebastian gently lifted Violet to her feet,but his patience was gone. The anger in his eyes was unmistakable.

His fists clenched, and with a burst of frustration, he threw a punch straight at Emilia.

She reacted with almost casual skill, sidestepping and catching his wrist before shoving him away with one quick motion.

Sebastian stumbled but managed to steady himself.He rushed back, determined, swinging again.

Unfazed, Emilia's lips curled into a smirk. Her leg shot up, stopping mere inches from Sebastian's face.

Only quick reflexes kept his nose from colliding with the sole of her shoe, which hovered just out of reach.

A sudden chill ran down Sebastian's spine. Sweat prickled at his brow. On instinct, he reached out,intent on yanking Emilia's leg and making her crash to the ground.

He barely moved before Emilia snatched her leg back,leaving him empty-handed and rattled.