Chapter 2

Emily's POV

Michael's eyes were full of accusation. "Emily, what are you doing? Olivia prepared this specially for you, and you're just throwing her kindness in her face like this?"

"Kindness?" I let out a cold laugh. "There's something wrong with this honey lemon water."

Olivia's body stiffened, then tears immediately welled up in her eyes. "Emily, you... you think I drugged it?"

Michael frowned at me. "Emily, Olivia has been so good to you. How can you think of her like that?"

I said nothing, just quietly watched Olivia.

Olivia crouched down to pick up the thermos.

Michael immediately held her shoulder. "Be careful."

There was still some liquid at the bottom of the cup.

She wiped her tears and said, "Emily, if you think I'm trying to hurt you, then... then I'll drink it to prove it to you!"

"Go ahead, drink it." I crossed my arms, watching coldly.

Olivia poured the remaining liquid into the cup. She raised it to her lips but never actually put it in her mouth.

I laughed mockingly. "Don't dare to drink it? Feeling guilty?"

Michael suddenly grabbed the cup and smashed it hard on the floor.: "Enough! Olivia doesn't need to prove anything!"

He stood protectively in front of Olivia, glaring at me. "Emily, don't go too far!"

"I'm going too far?" I stared at him, saying each word clearly, "Are you blind or just stupid? There's obviously something wrong with this water. Didn't you see she didn't dare drink it?"

"You're just paranoid!" Michael's voice got louder. "How could Olivia possibly hurt you! What gives you the right to accuse her like this!"

My anger finally exploded.

Without thinking, I slapped Michael across the face.

The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the dressing room.

Michael covered his face, staring at me in disbelief.

"A woman who wants to ruin my voice," my voice was ice cold, "and you're still protecting her?"

Olivia screamed and rushed over crying, blocking Michael, "Emily, if you want to hit someone, hit me! Don't take it out on Michael! He's just speaking up for me! It's all my fault, I made you misunderstand..."

She cried pitifully, looking so fragile and wronged.

I sneered. "I'll grant your wish."

The second slap landed on Olivia's face without mercy.

She covered her face, stunned for a second. Something flashed in her eyes, quickly covered by tears.

Michael completely lost it.

He shoved me hard. "Emily!"

Caught off guard, my body stumbled backward and hit hard against the edge of the vanity table. Sharp pain shot through my arm, and warm liquid ran down my skin.

I looked down and saw a gash on my arm, blood beading continuously.

The dressing room went quiet for a moment.

Michael looked at me, his gaze cold. "You hit first."

Olivia covered her face, sobbing. "Michael, don't be like this. Emily is just under too much pressure... It's all my fault. I shouldn't have brought the water..."

I stood up, holding my bleeding arm, looking at Olivia in Michael's embrace.

How did I not notice what was going on between them in my past life?

"From today on," I said calmly, "Olivia is no longer my assistant."

Olivia's head snapped up.

I turned to Michael. "And you—let's break up. I wish you and Olivia a lifetime together."

"Emily, are you crazy?!" Michael glared at me. "You'll regret this! Without Olivia taking care of you, you're nothing!"

A smile curved my lips. "Whether I regret it or not, you'll see for yourself."

I pointed at the door. "Now, get out."