Marry My Billionaire Second Husband - Chapter 79

Chapter 79: The Brooch I
Horace’s lips pinched together in distaste.

“Emmeline, are you or are you not a granddaughter of the Hawthornes?” Once again, he thumped his cane against the floor, this time with more force. “How many times do you need me to tell you that a lioness does not consider the opinions of the sheep?”

The other businessmen around them nodded, and Matteo wondered if they knew they were the sheep in question.

“Grandpa!” Emmeline spluttered, scrubbing away at the tears that were still rolling down her face, with a look of shock in her eyes. He had never scolded her in public before! To think he was willing to go this far for Amelia Kentwood when he had only met her mere weeks ago.

Fine, if throwing tantrums wasn’t going to work, she was going to have to use another tactic. She swallowed and pulled herself together, willing herself to display some form of composure even as she wanted to snap Amelia’s stupid neck.

“Grandpa, even if I were to give up this engagement with Matteo, I would not approve of him marrying a suspected criminal!” Emmeline exclaimed, jabbing an angry finger in Amelia’s direction. “My private photos were leaked to the public! Someone has to be responsible. Matteo, you said it― Amelia was living with you. If she planted a few hidden cameras to watch you sleep, would you even be aware of it?”

Matteo didn’t even blink before replying. “She has no need for hidden cameras. Amelia is welcome to watch me sleep in person if she likes.”

The group of old businessmen exchanged knowing laughs, while Amelia’s cheeks bloomed a bright red at the implications.

“Young love. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Amelia is a looker too, Matteo chose well in the end!”

“Aren’t you a lucky man, Horace! Great-grandchildren are coming soon!”

Meanwhile, Emmeline’s face was red for a whole different reason. She bit her lip so hard she tasted blood on her tongue. How dare these men mock her with their laughter?

Horace Hawthorne had a small, but indulgent smile on his face as he glanced at the couple. They made a fetching pair. It was a lucky coincidence, and an incredible blessing, that a union that would bring about great financial prosperity for both families was also one created of love. Perhaps if things went well, he might even see a great-grandchild before the year ends!

“Emmeline, there are plenty of fish in the sea,” Horace lectured gently, his voice soft to not be overheard.

It wasn’t as though he couldn’t understand her feelings, but if she continued to behave in such an unseemly manner, no one else would want her.

“Do yourself a favor and back out with your dignity.”

Emmeline balled her hands into fists as her grandfather’s words echoed in her ears. Back out? Her grandfather must be senile to even suggest it!

It was all Amelia Kentwood’s fault. Emmeline’s eyes roved all over her, imagining crushing every bit of Amelia’s organs under her heel. Her blood would spew everywhere and Emmeline would revel in her destruction.

In the midst of her gory fantasies, her eyes caught sight of a twinkling brooch that was nestled prettily on Amelia’s dress.

Her gaze turned predatory.

It had escaped her notice before since she had been too preoccupied with the gaudy necklace that adorned Amelia’s blasted neck. But now, Emmeline was thanking her lucky stars for granting her the perfect evidence for accusing Amelia Kentwood.

“Grandfather, I cannot― I will not do such a thing,” Emmeline said, collecting herself as she stood tall and proud. “I might be young, but I’m not a coward to sit idly by while a leech threatens our interests!”

“Emmeline, show some respect!” Horace thundered, aghast.

“I will only show respect to those that deserve it,” Emmeline said primly. “And before you think I’m being overly harsh or rude, Amelia Kentwood has brought evidence of her crimes directly to our doorstep!”

“What on earth are you talking about?” Amelia asked, finally opening her mouth to speak. She had been content to sit aside for this family drama― a family she had suddenly found herself a part of, but Emmeline’s words were so ludicrous she had to reply.

“That brooch you’re wearing now is none other than a spycam in disguise,” Emmeline declared with victorious viciousness, and Amelia could only blink in surprise.

“To think you even thought about wearing such an extravagant necklace to distract people’s eyes from it shows your true conniving nature! Grandpa, this woman is out to sell our secrets to the tabloids!”

“The brooch?” Amelia echoed, before remembering that this was from Dimitri. “It’s just a brooch. Stop making up stories!”

“I’m not,” Emmeline said, “If you don’t believe me, take it off and pry it open. You’ll see a tiny camera inside the hollowed jewel!”

Matteo squeezed her hand in a wordless show of support, encouraging her to do as Emmeline asked. So, Amelia gingerly took off the tiny brooch from her dress and pried it open, and true enough, there was a tiny camera inside!

Exclamations of surprise echoed around the room. Amelia’s eyes widened in shock. Did Dimitri give her a spycam on purpose, for safety?

Matteo’s face turned dark. Immediately, Amelia had to defend herself. “I didn’t know about this! This was a gift from Dimitri!”

“You didn’t know? How awfully convenient!” Emmeline laughed mockingly. “Besides, since when were you on a first-name basis with the oldest Suillvan son?” She had spotted the change in Matteo’s expression, and she knew she had to strike while the iron was hot.

He was finally having some doubts about this woman and Emmeline wasn’t about to let this opportunity go. True or not, she was more than content to add oil to the fire.

“Matteo, do you see why I’m trying so hard to protect you? Even if you don’t marry me, you can’t marry someone like her! She’ll ruin you!”

A growl escaped Matteo’s throat as his head whirled in Emmeline’s direction, as though he were an angry dog preparing to bite. Emmeline took a wary step back, surprised. Why was Matteo furious with her? She didn’t deserve the brunt of his anger!

“Weren’t you wearing something similar when you visited me at home?” Matteo asked, his voice dark with malice.