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?"

thought about her pregnancy. She was hiding a lot. "Does

almost laughed at his own anger. "Emily, you've got some nerve.

satisfaction, though she pretended to be innocent and tried to mediate. "Michael, don't blame

pay back a hundred fold and show

I won't be an eyesore to you." Emily lifted her dress

tie. He had really

Michael. She had Abigail sit

was ignoring him, Michael had someone arrange another

to notice and quietly asked Abigail if she was ready. Abigail gave her a reassuring nod. Then they watched

audience was packed with big shots. Besides Michael and Nicholas, there were other industry

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

and nodded. 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

lights dimmed and changed with the music, and one jewelry piece after another was showcased. The audience buzzed with chatter until Emily's work appeared. But the designer's name was listed

look. Just as they suspected, Sophia had

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

glanced back at Sophia with a sly smile and saw panic flash in her eyes. She

The real show is yet to

had no idea what Emily was planning. Finally, the

the audience present