Chapter 161
A light, delighted laugh slipped from Emily’s lips, as if all her earlier coldness had vanished in an instant.
For the first time, when faced with the Bennett Family’s accusations, she didn’t feel sad, hurt, or even numb. Instead, it was like none of it had anything to do with her at all.
She thought, ‘So those words that once left me battered and bruised could be this powerless.
Emily stepped out from behind Austin and looked at Andrew. She said, “Mr. Bennett, if you’re trying to prove how good you are at teaching people a lesson, then you’ve picked the wrong target.
“I’m not a Bennett, and I’m not your sister. Whether I did anything wrong or not is none of your business.”
Her words landed on Andrew like a slap to the face, mocking his wishful thinking. A surge of rage shot through him. He snapped, “Emily, do you even realize what you’re saying?
“We may not be related by blood, but the Bennett Family still took you in and raised you for over twenty years. That counts for something, doesn’t it?
“Everything you eat, wear, or use-it’s all thanks to the Bennett Family. Even the cash you’re blowing on that boy toy of yours comes from us. How could you say something like that?”
Austin moved to stand beside Emily, cut him off, looking at Andrew with a mocking grin. He shot back, “Did you leave your brain at home, or did you forget your shame, too?
“Every penny Emily has, she earned herself. Not a single cent came from the Bennett Family. If you had even a bit of sense, you might try checking your facts before running your mouth. Being basic and cocky is a disease-time for a cure.”
Getting insulted to one’s face over and over would piss anyone off, especially someone like Andrew, who’d been spoiled since birth.
He suddenly lunged forward, grabbed Austin by the collar, and shouted, “What right do you have to judge the Bennett Family’s business? I’m her brother-I know her better than you ever could.
“She’s always loved to show off, always had to be the flashiest one in the room, no matter where she was. And all of that? It’s all because of the glory the Bennett Family gave her.
“When we stopped spoiling her, she started pulling every trick she could think of just to get our attention—even faked a kidnapping to scam money out of us.
“When that didn’t work, she switched it up-she’d even entertain any guy who tried to hit on her, just to stroke her own ego. That’s how vain she is.
“For all you know, the money she’s spending on you might just be what she got from some other guy.”
This was the first time Andrew had ever let his emotions get the better of him and just let it all out in one go-so much that even he couldn’t tell how much of what he said was real anymore.
Emily darted forward and seized Andrew’s hand, her gaze icy and burning with anger. She demanded, “Let go. Surely the mighty CEO of Bennett Group wouldn’t stoop to hitting someone in front of everyone, right?”
Seeing the wariness and hostility in her eyes, it was like a needle jabbed straight into Andrew’s heart. He asked, “Are you worried about him?”
Back when Andrew used to accuse her, Emily would always get all flustered and try to explain herself. Sure, he thought it
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Chapter 161
was just her making excuses, but at least she cared about him.
But now, when he was accusing her, all she seemed to care about was Austin.
Emily acted as if his words didn’t even register. Her tone grew even more forceful as she pressed, “Let go.”
Andrew’s grip only tightened as he stared straight at her, saying nothing and refusing to let go.
Just then, Austin gently rested his hand on the back of Emily’s. He flashed a sweet smile, like he wasn’t even the one being grabbed by the collar right now. He said, “Emily, don’t be mad. I’m fine. Someone like him isn’t worth your anger.”
He held Emily’s hand gently, but with his other hand, he grabbed Andrew’s wrist and gave it a sharp twist.
