Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 171

Emma's gaze shifted to Dominic Mercer, her presence commanding. "Scarlett has a sweet disposition. She tolerated your constant bullying, but unfortunately, I don't have such a forgiving temper."

Dominic was furious but didn't dare speak up with Carter Harrington standing right there.

Seeing his arrogance deflate, Emma didn't press further. She signaled Scarlett with her eyes.

"Handle it," Carter murmured to his sister. "Don't embarrass us." Emma had already set the stage perfectly; if Scarlett still compromised her dignity for this man, it would be a true disgrace.

His tone was too harsh, earning a disapproving smack on the arm from Emma.

Instantly, Carter's overbearing aura dissolved into that of a totally whipped, doting husband.

"Sit down and have something to eat. Want some cake? I'll go grab you a slice," he offered softly, leaving the crowd staring in disbelief.

Anyone who had known Carter for years knew he never showed such a gentle expression.

Emma nodded, and Scarlett finally spoke up.

"Dominic, whether this pigeon-blood ruby necklace looks good on me or not, it was bought for me. No one else is worthy of it."

Dominic's face turned livid. "Stop throwing a tantrum. Behave," he hissed through gritted teeth.

Scarlett lifted her chin defiantly.

"When I liked you, I put you on a pedestal. But I don't like you anymore. You're nothing to me now. What gives you the right to dictate my choices?"

She pointed at the door. "Now get out. Both of you. The sight of you makes me sick."

Dominic froze. He never imagined Scarlett would tell him to get the hell out. She used to be so obsessed with him.

Seeing Scarlett's resolute attitude, Emma knew there was nothing left to worry about.

Despite the minor drama, the rest of the party went smoothly.

Except for Phoebe Sterling.

She ran out of the villa and wandered aimlessly for a long time.

"Not like what? Do you even know her? Don't forget, if it weren't for me stepping in back then, your mother would have died in the hospital. Emma has always been cold-hearted. Why are you defending her?"

Gillian snapped, and Phoebe immediately thought back to her most helpless moment—Emma's cold, dismissive text message, and Gillian's generous intervention.

She sighed softly and linked her arm with Gillian's. "I know. I'll never forget what you did for me."

"Good. Listen, I heard Emma is heading to Garrison City soon, and Percy plans to follow her. Can you come with me? I'm scared their old feelings will reignite."

Phoebe felt uneasy about it, but Gillian pleaded. "Don't worry, we're just going to keep an eye on Percy. I really want to get along with Emma. But you saw what she did—she slapped me out of nowhere at my engagement party. She went too far."

"Alright, I'll go with you."

Hearing this, Gillian smiled in satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the man who had previously orchestrated Emma's kidnapping answered a burner phone.

"Emma Lockwood arrives in Garrison City tomorrow. I assume everything is ready?"