"I… I’m not feeling well today. I feel terrible."
Emma was drenched in sweat, struggling to explain herself.
But neither of them listened.
Especially Mike—his temper had always been volatile.
Seeing her act so defiant, he snapped, "Emma, don’t push your luck. What’s so special about a stand-in like you? Have we spoiled you too much these past few years? Is that why you think you can act this way?"
"We don’t love you—let’s be clear on that. What makes you think you even deserve our love?"
Emma was already weak, her body barely holding up.
She hadn’t expected that just trying to explain herself would anger them this much.
"I’ll take you to pick it out in person tomorrow, alright? Stop acting entitled. You really think you’re something special?"
Mike didn’t wait for a response. He had already made up his mind.
Mike always kept his word, so early the next morning, he dragged Emma to a high-end boutique.
Luxury designer clothes filled the store, but Mike and Jeff didn’t bother asking Emma what she liked.
They simply ordered the sales staff to bring out all the latest collections.
Without hesitation, they swiped their cards, clearing out entire racks within minutes.
Just then, a salesgirl approached them with a respectful smile.
"Gentlemen, the exclusive designer S gown you pre-ordered has just arrived. Would you like to see it now?"
The moment they heard this, Mike and Jeff straightened up.
"Bring it out."
Several salesgirls carefully wheeled out a covered rack, the white silk cloth draped over it, making it clear just how valuable the item inside was.
When they pulled back the cloth, a dazzling white diamond dress was revealed.
It was crafted from rare, custom-made silk—one of the most expensive fabrics in the world.
Emma had only ever seen dresses like this in the news, ordered by heiresses for their loved ones.
Now, it was obvious—Mike and Jeff had ordered it.
And the "loved one" could only be Emilly.
Just as the two men leaned in to examine the suit details, a sudden commotion broke out at the entrance.
All heads turned to see a group of tattooed men swaggering in.
The man leading them stepped forward and ran his hands over the dress without care.
"How much for this one? I’ll take it."
The moment Emma saw his face, her blood ran cold.
Quinn Payton.
The Knapp family's biggest creditor.
The second she recognized him, a sense of dread sank into her stomach.
This man wasn’t here to buy a dress.
Before the Knapp family went bankrupt, they had ruined several of the Payton family’s major business deals. Quinn had never let it go. He had tried to settle the score with Emma countless times, but each time, Mike and Jeff intervened.
And now, he was here.
It definitely wasn’t just about this dress.
The instant Quinn laid a hand on the gown, Mike and Jeff’s faces darkened.
Without hesitation, Mike smacked his hand away and warned coldly, "What, Master Payton? Do you want to lose another finger?"
At those words, Quinn’s expression twisted.
The last time he had come looking for Emma, Mike’s bodyguards had broken one of his fingers. He had spent over a month in the hospital recovering.
He had never forgotten.
And now, were these two daring to stand against him again?
Quinn clenched his fists tightly, but his lips curled into a smirk.
"Oh? So you two can buy it, but I can’t?"
"I happen to like this dress today. I think I’ll take it with me."
Despite his gangster-like attitude, Quinn’s family had deep connections. Taking something from him wouldn’t be so easy.
