From Slander To Stardom: All Eyes On The Unlikely Heiress

"Emma Benton!" Maggie exploded, her body shaking with fury as she pointed straight at Emma's face. "I knew that bracelet didn't just disappear by itself. You stole it!" Her voice rose shrilly. "Do you really think I'd allow a woman who can't even bear children to take a single cent from the Baxter family?"

Katherine hurried forward at once, lightly holding Maggie's arm as if to steady her. Her voice was gentle, almost comforting.

"Maggie, please don't get so worked up. It's bad for your health. I'm sure there's been some kind of mistake. Emma doesn't seem like someone who would do such a thing."

She then turned toward Emma, her expression sincere, as though she were really trying to help. "Emma, maybe you came across the bracelet somewhere, thought it was beautiful, and took it to look at for a moment. Perhaps you simply forgot to return it. Why don't you explain it properly so Maggie won't misunderstand you?"

The servants immediately began whispering among themselves.

"I never imagined Emma would do something like that..."

"She always put on airs, but who knew she'd stoop to stealing?"

"Katherine is really too kind; she's still defending her after all this."

"Once Katherine officially joins the family, the household atmosphere will definitely improve."

Jason's brow furrowed deeply as his gaze fixed on the emerald bracelet held aloft. Confusion and disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Emma," he asked in a low voice, "what is this all about?"

A faint, icy curve appeared at the corner of Emma's lips.

Trying to frame her with something this crude was almost laughable.

"Don't be upset, Maggie." Katherine stepped in with a soft, conciliatory smile, her tone gentle enough to soothe. "If Emma likes the bracelet, let her keep it. Think of it as a farewell gift from us."

As she spoke, she gently patted Maggie's back. "I have an even purer emerald bracelet at home. I'll bring it over for you tomorrow."

Maggie's furious expression eased a fraction at those words, and she snorted coldly through her nose. "Fine. Since Katherine's spoken, we'll drop it. Now get out of here, Emma!"

The servants immediately followed her lead.

"Katherine really is the perfect match for Mr. Baxter."

"To be so forgiving and magnanimous... what a kind and generous heart."

Katherine absorbed their praise quietly, lifting her chin ever so slightly in quiet satisfaction.

She extended the bracelet toward Emma, her smile warm and benevolent. "Go on. Take it. This way, no one can say you walked away with stolen goods."

Emma studied her for a moment, her eyes calm yet piercing.

Under that penetrating stare, Katherine felt inexplicably unsettled and swallowed reflexively.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Emma actually accepted the bracelet.

She cast a casual glance at it, and then scoffed disdainfully before flicking her wrist.

The green gemstone flashed through the air in a clean arc before landing neatly inside the trash bin in the corner.

The crisp clinking sound rang out loudly, instantly plunging the room into stunned silence.

"Emma! Are you completely insane?" Maggie screamed, her face contorting with rage. "That bracelet is worth a fortune! Katherine kindly handed it to you, and you tossed it away like trash?"

Katherine's expression collapsed into wounded restraint. She bit her lip, her eyes glistening. "Emma, I know you resent me, but there's no need for this. You've lived comfortably for more than twenty years. Going back to your real family in the countryside won't be easy. Eight brothers, struggling lives... the burden alone is overwhelming. Seriously, selling that bracelet could've helped you survive."

Emma met her gaze, her voice steady. "You gave it to me, didn't you? Then it belongs to me. And I decide what to do with it."

Maggie's face flushed dark red. "Pick it up this instant and apologize!"

Emma's eyes turned glacial as she looked at her. "I tolerated your behavior before out of respect for my husband. But now?" She let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "You don't get to order me around anymore."

Maggie's eyes nearly bulged out from sheer anger. "A woman like you never deserved my son in the first place. If it hadn't been for—"

"Mom, that's enough," Jason finally cut in, deep impatience clearly etched across his brow.

Maggie fell silent but continued glaring at Emma with undisguised hatred.

Emma glanced at the time. Whoever was coming for her would arrive soon.

She had no interest in wasting another breath here. She lifted her suitcase and turned to walk away.

"Stop right there! What kind of attitude do you think you're showing—" Maggie couldn't help herself and pointed angrily at Emma's back, launching into curses.

However, her next words died instantly when she saw what was waiting outside.

A sleek, limited-edition Bugatti was parked at the curb. Its polished body gleamed with understated luxury under the sunlight.

Standing beside it was a middle-aged man in a perfectly fitted uniform, upright and dignified, his presence reflecting well-trained grace and discipline of an elite family.

He spared the Baxters no glance at all—his attention fixed solely on Emma.

When she approached, he bowed gracefully and opened the car door with flawless etiquette.

"Ma'am, after you."