The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 30 Identity Theft

Michael and Nicholas were left speechless. Michael, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Emily could design jewelry, now had to process the news that she had been accused of plagiarism. One bombshell after another. 'What else is my wife hiding from me?' he wondered.

"Plagiarism? What's this about? Weren't you..." Nicholas started to ask.

"It's all a big misunderstanding, Mr. Jackson. Let me explain," Abigail quickly cut in, worried Nicholas might spill the beans about Emily's identity.

Before Emily and Abigail could say anything, Sophia jumped in, "Mr. Jackson, back in college, Emily got in trouble for plagiarism. She can't even get into the jewelry design industry. She even..."

"Shut up, Sophia. Don't act like I don't know what you're up to. You and I both know the real story behind that plagiarism mess," Emily snapped at Sophia.

Turning to Nicholas, Emily said, "Mr. Jackson, it's all a misunderstanding. Trust me." She gave him a determined look.

Abigail managed to send Nicholas away, and Michael, looking pissed, grabbed Emily and started to leave. Emily yanked her arm free.

"Come with me," he said, barely holding back his anger.

"Say whatever you need to say right here," Emily shot back, knowing exactly what he wanted to ask.

Michael sneered. "Emily, how many things are you hiding from me?"

her pregnancy. She was hiding a lot. "Does it have anything to do with you?" she replied

some nerve. All that meekness before was just an

and tried to mediate. "Michael, don't blame Emily. She must have been confused back then. How could she

you pay back a

I plagiarized. I'll leave so I won't be an eyesore to

loosened his tie. He had really

to her seat next to Michael. She had Abigail sit

that Emily was ignoring him, Michael had someone arrange another seat for Sophia. Sophia glared at

if she was ready. Abigail gave her a reassuring nod. Then they watched

were other industry leaders, their wives, and wealthy heirs, all

designers, explained the meanings behind the pieces, and announced the release dates, reminding everyone they could pre-order. Emily seemed distracted. Abigail noticed and squeezed her hand, whispering, "Emily, focus. Your work's coming up soon. You've never

had never attended in person before but always watched live streams or replays. It felt different being here. Michael glanced over and saw her looking nervous. He almost reached

with the music, and one jewelry piece after another was showcased. The audience buzzed with chatter

exchanged a knowing look. Just as they suspected, Sophia

So Emily had made two copies of her sketches. One was submitted under her own name to Moonlit Treasures' design

a sly smile and saw panic flash in her eyes. She quickly sent Sophia a message on her

The real

had no idea what Emily was planning. Finally, the jewelry designed by Emily, under the name

pair of earrings. Each piece was so stunning that the audience