“But it’s not the same result now, is it?” Sonia’s frustration was evident in her voice. “Didn’t you see that Emmeline is alive and well, and Abel is always by her side?”
“What do you expect me to do?” Michaela frowned. “Should I capture Abel and force him to marry you?”
“That would be ideal!” Sonia replied. “You’ve already thought of it, so just do as you said.”
Michaela’s heart ached at her daughter’s outburst, and her face turned pale. She covered her chest and said, “You are such a spoiled brat, and I’m the one who spoiled you!”
“I don’t care!” Sonia pouted. “I can’t stand seeing Emmeline with Abel. It drives me crazy, and I’m ready to do anything to break them up!”
“Didn’t you say that you have some big secret about Emmeline?” Michaela’s eyes lit up. “You hold the trump card, so why not use it to your advantage and beat them both?”
“Well, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity,” Sonia admitted. “I want to make sure it’s the perfect time to use it.”
“Then tell me, what is this secret?” Michaela asked eagerly. “Maybe I can help you find the right chance.”
“Come closer,” Sonia motioned for her mother to lean in, and she whispered something into Michaela’s ear.
After hearing what Sonia had to say, Michaela looked surprised and doubtful. “Is this really possible?”
“I’m not completely sure,” Sonia replied. “A woman named Erin told me about it.”
“It’s just an identity,” Michaela frowned, “Can this really defeat Emmeline?”
Sonia admitted, “That’s why I’ve been hesitant to use this secret for a long time.”
“Well, it’s better to work with what you have than rely on what you don’t have!” Michaela’s expression turned ruthless, “The opportunity is here now, and if we reveal this secret at the right moment, it could have a significant impact.”
“I agree,” Sonia said, “If I remember correctly, isn’t Ols Mr. Ryker’s birthday approaching? It’s around this time in previous years.”
“You’re right,” Michaela said, “Let’s use this secret to our advantage at an important event like Mr. Ryker’s birthday. It could blow Emmeline’s world apart!”
Sonia clenched her teeth and said, “Let’s wait a little longer and let that woman enjoy herself a bit more. I guarantee that her happiness will soon turn into tears!”
“Exactly!” Michaela nodded, “Leave this matter to me, and I promise to subtly reveal Emmeline’s secret in public without anyone noticing. Let’s see how long she can keep up her act!”
“Hahaha!” Sonia laughed coldly, “Emmeline, you have no idea what’s coming!”
“But Sonia,” Michaela said with concern, “I am used to you and listen to you in everything, but with your father, you must be careful. If this gets out of hand, it could not only affect his career but also our safety. You have to understand that the Ryker family has Emmeline’s back!”
“Hmph!” Sonia snorted coldly.
“When this secret is revealed, Old Mr. Ryker and Emmeline would turn against each other, she will no longer have the Ryker family’s support. Then, I can crush her like an ant.”
Michaela pondered her daughter’s words. “You’re right, that makes sense.”
Later that night, Emmeline remained unaware of the plot being hatched against her. She was preoccupied with her sisters and even had a potential client from Altney who wanted to buy the franchise, Nightfall Cafe.
Unbeknownst to her, the thought of expanding the business never crossed Emmeline’s mind. Making coffee and snacks was purely her passion and hobby, driven by her love for bringing joy to people.
Once it evolved into a career, it started to lose its essence.
However, she could not tolerate the provocation from Sam and Doris.
Emmeline pondered for a moment; opening a chain franchise might not be out of the question.
Nonetheless, she did not want to complicate her emotions; she still desired to remain carefree like a free-spirited individual.
“Well,” Emmeline informed the client, “you should visit Benjamin, the president of Adelmar Group. He has the authority to determine the terms and conditions for the franchise.”
“…Mr. Benjamin?”
The customer appeared perplexed, “A coffee and dessert shop franchise should be a small-scale business, right? Should I really discuss this matter with the president of Adelmar Group?”
