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?"

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

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

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

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

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

tie. He had really underestimated

Michael. She had Abigail sit next

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

she was ready. Abigail gave her a reassuring nod.

other

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

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, remembering their earlier

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

Just as they suspected, Sophia had stolen her

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

flash in her eyes. She quickly sent Sophia a message on

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

her heart gripped by fear. She had no idea what Emily was

were three pieces: a necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings. Each piece was so stunning that the audience present