Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 259

The assistant's statement not only revealed Emma and Jocelyn's true identities, but effectively branded Phoebe as a reckless, impulsive liability.

Many design firms in the audience that had initially been interested in her suddenly grew extremely wary.

"We'll sign someone else."

Jocelyn didn't care how much commercial value Phoebe could bring in anymore; she absolutely refused to bring such a wildly unpredictable wildcard into her company.

Emma said nothing. Just as the fashion show was drawing to a close, Gillian suddenly appeared.

"Emma, I brought your real mother here."

The moment Gillian finished speaking, all the lights in the venue abruptly cut out, leaving only the faint glow of cell phone screens.

"Please don't panic, everyone. Mr. Harrington of the Harrington Group has prepared a surprise for all our VIP guests today. Please follow me upstairs."

The event host took control of the room. In the darkness, Gillian's face twisted in pure, unadulterated fury.

But unlike before, she wasn't rushing. She stood patiently, waiting for the crowd to disperse. It wasn't until the lights flickered back on that she finally spoke.

"Mr. Harrington sure doesn't mind burning money to protect your reputation. I wonder how many millions of dollars he threw away this time."

Emma frowned slightly at Gillian's mocking half-smile.

Tim's previous warning suddenly echoed in her mind.

[A child raising an adult for so many years... Do you really believe she has no methods or skills of her own?]

The look Emma gave Gillian was no longer her usual cold indifference, but a probing scrutiny.

What exactly had Gillian gone through?

"It's just an investment. I wouldn't call it throwing money away."

Carter took long, confident strides into the room, coming to a halt right beside Emma.

Emma snapped back to reality, her gaze shifting to the woman standing next to Gillian.

Intimidated by Emma's overwhelming aura, the woman shrank back, suddenly at a loss for words.

Gillian let out a light laugh. "Emma, don't be so cold to your own mother. You two finally reunited. Sure, your biological family can't compare to the Lockwoods, but blood is thicker than water, isn't it?"

"What mother and daughter? She's nothing but a criminal who abducted and abandoned a child."

Emma stared calmly at the woman, a smirk touching her lips. "Since you want to come with me so badly, let's go."

The woman hesitated.

Emma's words were far too ambiguous. Mentioning a 'criminal'—was she planning to march her straight to a police station?

"Out of respect for you, I, as the victim, will drop the charges. Go enjoy some quality family time with your real mother," Gillian sneered, waving at Phoebe. "There are a ton of reporters outside. They already know this woman is your mother. If you don't walk out of here with her, I can't guarantee what the media will write."

Hearing the blatant threat, Jocelyn flared up.

"I'd love to see which one of them dares to publish a single word about this today."