Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 6

Hearing Violet instinctively pivot the conversation right back to Gillian felt like a massive boulder crashing down on Emma's chest, though she maintained her flawlessly unbothered facade as she listened.

"Back in the living room, I just didn't want to upset Gillian. I could tell she was trying to compromise, but I couldn't bear to watch her force herself into a corner like that.

I owe her so much. If I hadn't been so stubbornly insistent on taking a vacation so late in my pregnancy, she wouldn't have been forced to be born prematurely in the middle of nowhere. She doesn't like you, and leaving means you won't have to put up with the tension either. It's truly for the best for both of you."

Emma absently twirled her phone in her hand, an aura of utter indifference settling over her. Violet claimed it was for the best for 'both' of them, but every single syllable reeked of favoritism toward Gillian.

She had never in a million years imagined that her highly anticipated flight back home would ultimately end with her being left completely homeless.

"So, you genuinely want me to leave, then?" Emma lowered her eyes, perfectly concealing the turbulent emotions swirling beneath the surface.

If Violet showed even a fraction of a second of hesitation, Emma could have convinced herself that there was still some trace of maternal love left for her.

If that were the case, she wouldn't have made things difficult for the Lockwoods, nor for her parents.

"Yes. You spent the last six years abroad; you're far more accustomed to that environment anyway." Violet genuinely believed she was making the perfect choice for both girls. "Just coordinate with the lawyers and transfer the corporate shares back to Gillian as soon as possible. That gift was rightfully meant for her to begin with."

Emma's lips curled up, burying her crushing disappointment beneath a breathy chuckle. An aura of icy detachment washed over her face. "Understood."

Violet walked out feeling profoundly relieved, leaving Emma alone to calculate her next move.

But it wasn't long before Gillian strolled right back in.

"Is the maid's room comfortable enough for you?"

Emma shot her a beaming smile, her tone dripping with unapproachable arrogance. "Do you need something?"

"Percy said he wants to formally discuss his marriage to the Lockwoods, and he wants you there too," Gillian sneered, utterly repulsed. She absolutely loathed Emma's insufferably pretentious attitude.

Without the Lockwood name, she was absolutely nothing.

"I'm passing. That has nothing to do with me."

She had already dumped Percy. His dealings with the Lockwoods weren't worth another second of her time.

"Do you honestly think hiding from Percy is going to somehow salvage your pathetic relationship and save your engagement? You're completely delusional."

Gillian glared down at her, desperately trying to crush Emma's dominating presence. "If you refuse to go, I have zero problem dragging Mom back in here to force you."

Emma narrowed her eyes, wondering exactly what kind of trap Gillian was attempting to set.

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