Chapter_70
Chapter 70
Suddenly, Alondra called out, “Where’s Emmeline? Has anyone seen my flirtatious stepdaughter?”
Her loud question caught the attention of the guests, and many turned to look at her.
Alana quickly responded, “Ah! I saw Emmeline head to the back garden with one of the male guests. I wonder if it’s something urgent?”
“What could it be?” Alondra asked, her voice dripping with mock concern. “I know my stepdaughter very well. She can’t stand being alone!”
Julianna, overhearing the conversation, approached them. “What’s going on? What happened to Emmeline?”
“I saw her going to the back garden with one of the young men,” Alana explained. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t look after my cousin properly.”
Alondra pretended to wipe a tear from her eye. “It’s not your fault, Alana. That girl has always been a flirt. She’s always given me cause for worry.”
Adrien stepped forward, his expression darkening. “Did you just say Emmeline’s a flirt?”
“Yes, Mr. Adrien,” Alana said with a sympathetic tone. “She went to the back garden with a man. I’m sorry for what you’re going through.”
“This is ridiculous!” Adrien’s voice was filled with rage. “She’s already making a fool out of me before we even get married!”
Julianna looked displeased. “Let’s go to the garden and see for ourselves. If that’s what she’s like, she’ll have to be kicked out of the household!”
“This is preposterous!” Landen chimed in, frowning deeply.
Alana’s lips curled into a smirk. This is the end of you, Emmeline Louise!
“Let’s go and see then,” Alondra said, her tone smug. “I hope my stepdaughter doesn’t make a fool of herself!”
“Yes, let’s go. They won’t get away with this!” one of the guests shouted.
“We need to catch them in the act. Block the exits!” someone else added.
The guests, now in an uproar, followed Adrien as he led the way to the back garden. Alana struggled to keep from laughing out loud. She already imagined how this would play out.
Still, she said, “Don’t be too hasty, Mr. Adrien. Emmeline is a spoiled woman. I’ll teach her a lesson on your behalf. You shouldn’t be too harsh on her.”
“You’re a saint, Alana!” Alondra said, her voice sweet. “Emmeline is so shameless, yet you’re still trying to protect her dignity!”
Alana smiled demurely. “We’re family after all. I couldn’t bear to see Emmeline in trouble.”
The guests nodded, impressed by what they perceived as Alana’s empathy and wisdom.
But as the crowd hurried down the path toward the back garden, they were met by a surprising sight—Abel was walking toward them, with an unconscious Emmeline in his arms.
“Abel!” Adrien roared, his face turning beet red. “So you’re making a cuckold out of me?!”
Alana and Alondra were stunned. Where’s Mr. X, the man we bribed? Why is Abel carrying Emmeline?
Alana’s heart skipped a beat. Oh no! Emmeline was drugged! She might have been taken advantage of by Abel…
Her head spun, and she stumbled backward, almost losing her footing.
She whispered urgently to Alondra, “Auntie… Did I unknowingly set myself up?”
Alondra’s face drained of color. Seeing Emmeline in Abel’s arms, she knew things had gone terribly wrong. This is the worst possible outcome.
She was so flustered she wanted to stomp her feet in frustration.
“Abel? What’s the meaning of this?” Rosaline asked nervously, her eyes scanning her son. She was clearly worried about what this might mean for his reputation.
“Abel!” Adrien charged toward him, rolling up his sleeves, ready to strike. “I’ll kill you!”
Abel moved with practiced ease, sidestepping Adrien’s attack and tripping him in the process. Adrien stumbled, nearly falling over.
“Adrien, I happened to show up just in time and saved Emmeline!” Abel said coldly, his expression unreadable.
“You’re lying!” Adrien’s eyes were bloodshot, his anger clouding his judgment.
“You can have the doctor check on her,” Abel continued, his tone steady. “Emmeline was drugged. Someone tried to set her up.”
“Who would do such a thing?” Adrien’s anger began to dissipate, replaced by confusion.
“The person who did this is lying unconscious over there,” Abel pointed toward a man on the ground nearby. “Check the surveillance footage from the banquet hall. You should be able to find evidence that he drugged Emmeline.”
“Security!” Adrien shouted, his voice now filled with urgency. “Tie that man up, and get me the surveillance footage from the banquet hall!”
The scene was chaos, and the tension was palpable.
Suddenly, Alana’s knees gave out beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, her face pale with shock.
Rosaline gasped. “What happened to Alana?” she asked Alondra, looking genuinely concerned.
Alondra’s mind raced. This is falling apart. Everything’s unraveling. She looked at Alana, who was now trembling on the ground. She knew this was the worst possible turn of events.
