Plot Twist, The 'Dead' Ex is Thriving

Chapter 9

Emily Carter stood backstage in her haute couture gown, waiting to receive her award.

Vincent Montgomery's phone rang at that very moment.

Irritated, he pulled it out to silence it—only to catch a glimpse of the WeChat notification flashing on his screen.

"Vincent, call me back immediately. Something's happened to Lina."

He scoffed.

The memory of Lina Harrison's earlier message only fueled his disgust.

With a dismissive tap, he replied: "What new scheme is she pulling now?"

Emily was about to step onstage.

He had neither the patience nor the energy to entertain Lina's antics.

This was just another ploy to ruin Emily's moment.

His friend called again.

Vincent rejected the call without hesitation.

Emily glanced at him nervously. "Vincent, I'm so nervous."

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Relax. I'm right here with you."

The announcer called Emily's name.

Vincent bent down to lift the hem of her dress as she stepped forward.

The spotlight bathed her in golden light.

For this moment, she was the center of the world.

Taking a deep breath, Emily walked gracefully onto the stage, her smile radiant.

Then—his phone rang again.

Vincent answered, only to hear his friend's frantic voice. "Vincent, it's serious. Lina's in trouble. The Harrison family's villa caught fire last night. By the time anyone noticed, it was already reduced to ashes."

"Lina was still inside. She never made it out..."

"The police say... there's little hope."

Vincent's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Don't play me for a fool. Tell Lina to give it up."

He hung up before his friend could protest.

To avoid further interruptions, he powered off his phone.

Just then, Daniel Harrison's phone buzzed—another call from the same friend.

As Daniel reached for it, Vincent snatched the phone and ended the call.

"It's just Lina causing trouble again. Ignore her. Emily's award ceremony is more important."

Daniel frowned. "What is she up to now?"

"The usual. Stirring drama, trying to manipulate us into leaving."

"She can't stand seeing us support Emily. She wants to ruin this for her."

Daniel's expression darkened, and he turned off his phone as well. "She's gone too far this time."

"Lina's always been spoiled. Maybe it's time she learned a lesson."

Vincent smirked. "Exactly."

Onstage, the applause thundered. Vincent and Daniel clapped along, their gazes fixed on the elegant figure before them.

Emily, in turn, beamed down at them.

"Winning this award wouldn't have been possible without two very special people."

"My mentor... and my brother."

"Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today."

"Thank you."

Identical expressions of tenderness softened Vincent and Daniel's faces.

Their eyes never left Emily.

As if she was their entire world.