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?"

a lot. "Does

anger. "Emily, you've got some nerve. All that meekness before was

mediate. "Michael, don't blame Emily. She must have been confused back then. How could she tell you something so embarrassing? Don't be

glare. 'Embarrassing? Fine, I'll make you pay back a hundred fold

plagiarized. I'll leave so I won't be an eyesore to you." Emily lifted

loosened his tie. He had really

her seat next to Michael. She had Abigail sit next to her,

ignoring him, Michael had someone arrange another seat for Sophia. Sophia glared at Emily and then walked

ready. Abigail gave her a reassuring nod. Then they watched

shots. Besides Michael and Nicholas, there were other industry leaders, their wives, and wealthy heirs, all there to

revealing outfits showcased the jewelry one by one. The host introduced the 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 been to one of

She 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 out to hold her hand but stopped,

another was showcased. The audience buzzed with chatter until Emily's

exchanged a knowing look. Just as they suspected, Sophia had stolen

knew Sophia too well. Sophia wouldn't let Emily's designs be showcased without a plan. Sophia would definitely claim them as her own, just like in college. So Emily had made two copies of her sketches. One was submitted under her own name to Moonlit Treasures' design department through Abigail. Sophia had indeed seen

Sophia with a sly smile and saw panic flash in

[Don't worry, Sophia. The real show is yet

the message, Sophia felt her heart gripped by fear. She had no idea what Emily was planning.

bracelet, and a pair of earrings. Each piece was so stunning that the audience present couldn't turn their eyes off them as if they were under a spell to purchase them