Chapter 57

Emily Smith crossed her arms, a mocking smile curling her lips. "Olivia Davis is the jewel of the Lu family. She grew up with Vice President Johnson." She shot Emily a sidelong glance. "Everyone in Jinzhou knows Miss Davis is determined to marry him."

She paused, malice flashing in her eyes. "And then there's Amanda Lin—the one who holds Vice President Johnson's heart. All these years, she's been the only one he's ever loved."

Though Olivia had instructed her to teach Emily a lesson, Vivian Lu didn't dare go too far, given how protective William seemed of her.

She gave Emily a once-over and sneered. "If your face didn't resemble Amanda's, do you really think Vice President Johnson would spare you a second glance?"

"We look alike?" Emily suddenly spoke up.

"Of course." Vivian didn't hesitate. "Especially those eyes—they're practically identical."

Emily pressed her lips together, swallowing the words on the tip of her tongue. She remembered Emma Clark had said the same thing.

Back in middle school, she and William had attended the same school—she in seventh grade, he in twelfth. Years later, when they met again at The Royal Club, he'd insisted on driving her home without explanation. What other reason could there be besides this resemblance?

"Why didn't Amanda end up with William?" she asked softly.

"Like you deserve to know," Vivian scoffed.

Emily turned to leave, but Vivian grabbed her arm.

"Fine, I'll tell you." Vivian smirked. "Amanda wanted to marry Alexander Johnson—William's older brother. She never saw William as good enough. That's why he's playing around with a stand-in like you. Got it?"

Emily nodded numbly, her eyes reddening.

Bored, Vivian let go and walked away.

Emily stood frozen, her chest tight. Suddenly, she didn’t want to go back. Almost unconsciously, she stepped out of the villa.

The night wind hit her, making her shiver. The glittering city lights below reminded her she was halfway up the hillside.

After a few steps, the cold air cleared her mind. What was she, really? Just someone doing a job for money. Stand-in or tool—none of it mattered as long as she could save her sister.

She turned back.

Inside the game room, William won two rounds in a row before realizing Emily hadn’t returned. He excused himself to look for her but found no trace.

"Where’s Emily?" he demanded when he returned, his sharp gaze landing on Vivian.

"I—I didn’t say anything," Vivian insisted, forcing composure.

"Are you out of your damn mind?" Ethan Zheng exploded.

William stopped him. "Find her first."

The group hurried out of the game room.