THE PRECIOUS JEWEL

Emma's body was aching like she had been struck by a car, and her splitting headache was the only sensation she was experiencing as she slowly came to. She furrowed her brows at the discomfort, but she was unable to dismiss it.The man's shape was all that she could see in the darkness, but she could still smell the distinctive Gucci cologne softly permeating the air.As he squeezed his body against her, nipping and kissing her thin neck, the man did not say anything.The morning sun came out as dawn slowly approached.Abruptly, Emma opened her eyes.

She was shocked to see a stranger sleeping next to her when she was completely nude in bed. With his back to her, he was facing away.Flashbacks from the previous night came racing back to Emma, turning her cheeks pale. In the end, it wasn't a dream!How was she able to get here?Is it possible that someone spiked her drink?With a gnashing of teeth, Emma got out of bed. She attempted to stay as cool as possible, using all the poise she had. She dressed quickly in her clothing from the previous evening, got ready, and ran away. She had to get home right now to speak with Olivia and find out what had transpired!*****Upon arriving home, Emma noticed her father was waiting for her, seated on the sofa. Clark asked, his face composed, "Where were you the night before?"After pondering over what had happened the previous evening, Emma pursed her lips and eventually said, "I fell asleep in a friend's house.""Wham!"He said angrily, slamming a picture onto the table, "I know you spent the night in a hotel room with another man! You lie to me, how dare you?Emma's face was devoid of blood when she saw the picture. It was an image of an unfamiliar man escorting her inside a hotel room.After you've been engaged and getting prepared for your wedding, you have the guts to go in with another man! Do you really know the consequences of your actions Emma? He thundered.Olivia sprinted in her high heels down the stairs. "Calm down, dad." She moved over to Emma and pretended to niggle at her while she talked. How could you humiliate the family in such a way, Emma? Before getting married, you should know not to cross the line, even if you are in love with the man.Emma was stunned beyond belief. By that, what did she mean?It was obvious she had been unconscious at the time!Olivia would never be so sweet as to celebrate her birthday on her behalf, just as she had suspected. Everything had been staged! "Dad, listen, I was out celebrating my birthday with Olivia," Emma attempted to clarify. Something was in the beverage Olivia offered me."Enough already!" "Olivia is your big sister," snarled Clark as he stood up and jabbed a finger at her. You dare not hold her accountable for your own deeds!"Sister?"As Emma heard her father's accusations, she balled both of her fists until they began to shake. Her father was an adulterous guy, and her mother ought to have realized this. From the beginning, he had been seeing a woman on the side.Who would have thought that he would remarry Camila Adams soon, only a year after her mother passed away? Emma was more shocked to learn that they had given birth to a girl of their own some time ago!For years now, Emma had known that Olivia was attempting to win their father over. When their father was there, she would act one way, then behind him, she would change. Emma never imagined that Olivia would attempt to undermine her on her own birthday!"Y-you, I was going to give you Everly Jewelry when you eventually reached adulthood but y-you.It's unbelievable that you would pull off such a prank to damage the family name! I would rather never see your face again! Without a blatant scumbag like you as a daughter, Roberts could do better!".Emma became furious, "Are you kicking me out, Dad?"Just at her feet, Clark broke the cup he was holding. "Leave this place like the hell!""How dare you do this! have you forgotten who founded this jewelry company? It was my mother, and without my mother this company wouldn't exist. And how dare you want to give it out to the daughter of a bitch who destroyed the family and made my mother miserable? How could she possibly design an excellent jewelry with such bad taste of hers....Emma's questioning went unanswered and was replaced by a slap on the face. She inclined her head for a long time, she immediately turned and looked at his father, unbelievable that her father would hit her. She seemed to see a flash of guilt in her father's eyes, but maybe she was wrong after all, at this time, her eyes had long been full of tears that she cannot really see.Suddenly she felt so tired like a deflated ball, and did not want to argue anymore, her lips opened and finally said nothing, just a bitter smile, looked up at Olivia and her father,and said: "I'll leave as you wish"While trembling violently, Emma then looked up to see Olivia sneering back at her, her father's frown untrusting. She was overcome with a cold feeling in her heart.Olivia approached Emma as she was hauling her bags through the front yard. She held out her arm, seeming to be kind, offering to assist with the luggage. But Emma smacked her hand instead of reaching out. "Go away."When Olivia finally saw Emma's animosity for her, she revealed her true nature. "I'll tell you the truth. Yes, last night I did put a little bit to that drink. It must be awful to be tarnished by a man, I suppose.Emma chewed on her lips in dismay. "By worming your way into our house, you and Camila achieved your goals. What more are you looking for?"I want your status," I said. Olivia approached her directly and gave her a furious look. "Why do I get to be the illegitimate child while you get to be the Roberts family's jewel? Did you not have a noble and proud birth? You are now nothing more than a corrupted lady, then. You ought to be aware of your situation by now. Why don't you just go on then?With great pleasure, Olivia waved her phone in front of Emma's face."Go now and don't return if you don't want this video to be released to the public and you run the risk of having your life destroyed forever."Emma returned a blank stare. She released her tightly balled hands. With a hard expression on her face, she picked up her bags off the ground and entered her car without taking another look.Olivia observed the vehicle as it drew further and further away. A proud smile appeared on her face. She not only had ownership of the Everly Jewelry now, but she also had free reign to take anything under the Vanderbilt!Just then a Rolls-Royce pulled up directly in front of their house just as she was going to turn around. Four black-clad bodyguards exited the vehicle and formed a line beside it. A man emerged, putting his lengthy leg out. His frame was athletic and he was tall. His black suit was basic and stylish, yet it also exuded a certain something.Olivia said, motionless, "Isn't that...? Daniel Godman who's the heir apparent to the Godman dynasty from Bassburgh, the capital city of royalty?The CEO of Horizon Group, referred to as Emerald Springs's patriarch's youngest monarch of business and commerce. He was handsome, tall and has a pointed nose with a well built body shape, he has a hundred million dollar net worth, Daniel Godman was wealthy. In addition, he held a great deal of influence in the royal capital!Why was he at the Roberts manor doing this?The emotionless eyes of Damion skimmed across her. "Are you," he said icily, "Olivia Vanderbilt?"A beat skipped in her heart. He knew who she was!"Yes, that's me," she added, nodding merrily."Were you the woman who stayed in Room 6228 of the Grand View Hotel with me that night?"Olivia's face took a turn.Grand View Hotel: 6228, Room!The room that she'd specifically set aside for that blatant b*tch? Is it possible that Emma's partner from the previous night was not the aging guy she had thought him to be? It was indeed Daniel Goldmann!That b*tch, damn it! It's unbelievable how fortunate she was!Even if Emma were to have unending luck, would it really matter? She was only going to be a stepping stone in the end. I see, Daniel. Who in their right mind would ever turn down the opportunity to be your partner?Olivia grinned as she nodded. Why, in fact. The woman you were with is me.