Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 175

The moment Emma's words fell, more than two dozen imposing men sealed off the alley entrance completely.

Sienna stared in absolute shock.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Mavis broke free, looking around in awe.

She always knew Emma had a security detail, but she never expected a small army.

"Y-You..."

Sienna stammered, horrified that Emma traveled with such a terrifying entourage.

"Round them all up. Every single one of them goes to the police station."

Emma's order made Mavis even more surprised.

She had all these lethal-looking bodyguards, but she was just handing her enemies over to the cops?

"You wouldn't dare! I am the—Mmph! Mmph!"

Before Sienna could finish, Chase clamped a hand over her mouth and dragged her away.

The thugs yelled for help, but Chase's men had already secured the perimeter. Not a single pedestrian was in sight.

As the group was hauled off, Mavis looked at Emma in astonishment.

"I thought you were going to..."

Emma smiled lightly. "We're in a civilized society. I know exactly where the lines are drawn."

Mavis stared at Emma with newfound curiosity, suddenly wanting to genuinely get to know her.

Meanwhile, news of Emma's run-in with local thugs reached the private room. Travis, having just stepped out of a car, and Carter, rushing down the stairs, arrived at the alley simultaneously.

Members of the Lockwood and Jennings families crowded the entrance.

"Are you okay? Did they hurt you? I'm taking you to the hospital."

Travis shoved past Carter to reach Emma first.

Beatrice, who had hobbled down to watch the drama, muttered loudly, "Carter is standing right there, and she's throwing herself into another man's arms. How shameless."

Carter shot the old woman a deadly glare. Travis, hearing Emma say she was fine, whipped his head around.

"If you're too old to know how to speak, shut your mouth. I don't give a damn about respecting my elders. Say one more bad word about my friend, and I'll make sure you're attending your son's funeral."

Travis was already irritated. Hearing someone slander Emma pushed him over the edge.

Emma reached out to gently touch Mavis's reddened cheek.

Mavis had orchestrated Emma's kidnapping before. She knew exactly how heavily guarded Emma was, meaning she knew Sienna couldn't actually hurt Emma.

Yet, Mavis had deliberately taken a hit to earn sympathy—a calculated risk.

"You saw right through me, huh?" Mavis smiled bitterly. Her little scheme was completely transparent.

Emma patted her shoulder. "I'm still grateful. But I hope next time, you learn to love yourself a little more."

The words hit Mavis like a bullet between the eyes. She froze in place.

Did she... love herself?

Emma didn't say anything else and turned to head back into the restaurant.

As she walked up the stairs, someone blocked her path.

She looked up. Logan Lockwood stood there, his expression complicated.

"Emma, I want to talk to you."