Chapter 89
"Do you think Webster had a hand in this?" Violet kept her voice low.
"No chance." Rodger dismissed the idea at once, shaking his head. "He's nowhere near capable enough.The moment our family steps into the situation, even Webster wouldn't be able to stop us. But now,everything we set up has fallen apart. We can't even trace who's working behind the scenes. Whoever is backing Emilia has real power."
An edge flickered in Violet's gaze, sharpand fleeting.
Why did Emilia, sly as she was, always seem to land on her feet? How did she end up finding someone even more impressive than Rodger?
Violet could not make sense of it, though on the surface, she wore her usual gentle mask. "This is all on me,Rodger. Please, let's not go after Emilia. I don't want you getting tangled up with whoever is supporting her.If that person's as powerful as they seem, the Mitchells could get pulled into something dangerous."
Violet let her voice trail off, and Rodger's frustration only deepened.
"She's already found someone else, yet she refuses to let go of me. Does she really think she can have it both ways?" he snapped.O
Rodger's temper spiked. The thought of Emilia clinging to a new, influential man while still holding up the divorce left him seething. What was she really aiming for?
"You know what she's thinking, right? If that guy ever tosses her aside, she'll just come running back to you.You're her safety net, Rodger." Sebastian didn't hesitate to offer his opinion.
A muscle ticked in Rodger's jaw as he processed Sebastian's words. "Does she really thinkI'm just a backup for her?"
Suspicion narrowed his gaze. Emiia's refusal to end the marriage suddenly made perfect sense. This was her strategy from the very beginning. "Please don't let this upset you, Rodger. I'm worried about your health. Honestly, it's all on me. I never should have returned..." Violet tried to steady her voice, but it trembled with emotion.
"Don't say that. None of this is your fault." Rodger reached for her hand, trying to comfort her.
Her tears gathered and spilled over, her eyes full of sorrow as she looked up at him. Seeing her like that made Rodger's heart twist painfully.
"I'll take care of the divorce soon. You deserve to have your place beside me, Violet," he said, his voice softer now.
Rodger's voice firmed, and his expression hardened. "This marriage is over. Emilia won't get away with stringing me along. I've let her do as she pleased for too long, but that ends now."
Violet tilted her head, forcing a note of concern into her voice. "What's going to happen to Emilia now?"
"She'll have no choice but to sign those divorce papers. I'll make sure of it," Rodger answered, his eyes darkening.
Divorce had become Rodger's only option. Letting Emilia string him along while she juggled another man felt unthinkable. There was no way he would settle for being anyone's backup plan.
Whatever affection he once held for her had burned out. Once their marriage ended, he would wipe her from his life for good.
"You always treat me with such care, Rodger. I'll never forget your kindness, no matter what happens."Violet's voice grew soft, filled with gratitude.
He reached out and pulled her close, his tone warm and gentle. "Violet, you're the most sincere and compassionate person I've ever known. Don't ever doubt that."
"Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. I'm afraid I could never measure up to you, Rodger," she replied,a quiet smile touching her lips.
"Don't be silly. Out of everyone in the world, you're the only one I could ever truly care for. Emilia's not even in the same league as you," Rodger muttered. "Can you two pause the romance for a second? The video's still out there, and everyone's talking nonstop.What's our next move?" Sebastian rolled his eyes at their exchange, cutting in with impatience.He started pacing,frustration clear in every step.