Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 93

Emma's gaze instantly turned cold, while Julian looked thoroughly confused. Why would the guards let the Lockwoods into the estate?

"I invited them," George announced. Marian took Emma's hand gently and added, "You've been homesick so much over the years you were abroad. Your father and I noticed. Now that things have settled down, we thought we'd invite them over and officially meet the family that raised you."

"That eldest Lockwood boy is quite capable. He's handled a few investments for me recently, and the returns have been excellent," George noted, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Carter was just thinking of how to intervene when Emma spoke up first.

"I'm glad you're satisfied with his business skills, but let's skip the family reunion."

Emma sank back into the sofa, her mood noticeably plunging.

Marian looked at her with deep concern. "What's wrong, sweetie? Did they mistreat you?"

"Mistreat is putting it lightly," Julian said, his expression turning icy as he looked at the butler. "Let them in."

Emma glanced up at him. Julian turned to his parents. "Words can't describe what kind of people the Lockwoods are. You'll just have to see for yourselves."

The Lockwood delegation consisted of Charles, Logan, and Gillian.

Gillian was already marveling at how much grander the Vance Estate was compared to others, but the moment she walked into the living room and spotted Emma, she froze in her tracks.

"Emma? What are you doing here?"

Emma met her gaze impassively. "Why shouldn't I be here?"

Gillian's expression twisted into an ugly scowl. She knew Emma worked with Julian, but since when did executives bring junior staff to their family estates?

Her eyes drifted to Carter, and suddenly it all made sense.

Julian was obviously just doing a favor for Mr. Harrington by allowing her in for a business meeting.

"Mr. and Mrs. Vance, you really need to be careful. Emma is incredibly manipulative when it comes to seducing men. First, she went after Mr. Harrington, and now she's latching onto Julian. Don't let your son get conned by her."

Gillian felt entirely fearless standing in front of Julian now. After all, they had been personally invited by his parents. No matter how much Julian wanted to protect his little colleague, he wouldn't dare defy his own mother and father.

"Gillian, did all those slaps across your face not teach you a single lesson?"

Emma turned her head to look at her, genuinely impressed by her audacity. The bruises had barely faded, and she was already back to spewing lies.

Why was George Vance defending Emma?

Charles's mind raced, terrified to say the wrong thing. But Gillian, too slow to read the room and desperate to ruin Emma's reputation, immediately began to sob. "Mr. Vance, we just don't want you to be scammed! This is exactly how Emma plays the victim to deceive everyone!"

Emma actually laughed out loud. She stood up, walking right up to the Lockwood family. Bypassing Charles and Gillian entirely, her gaze locked dead onto Logan.

"Logan. You used to lecture me constantly about how lying was inexcusable, regardless of the circumstances. Have you completely abandoned your morals? You're just going to stand there and watch your sister lie through her teeth?"

That single sentence shattered Logan's mental defenses instantly. He couldn't even bring himself to meet her eyes.

"Dad."

Emma called out softly. Thinking she was talking to Charles, Gillian immediately snapped, "My father said he only has one daughter! What the hell are you calling him for?"

Emma's lips curled into a mocking smirk.

"Don't flatter yourselves. Who said I was talking to him?"