Chapter 4 Outrageous Demands

"Hanna! What on earth are you up to? Why in the world did you decide to give Emerie a hard time?"

A thunderous shout erupted from the villa, accompanied by the rapid approach of agitated footsteps.

Hanna lifted her gaze to meet the stern eyes of the current president of the Wheeler Group. Her older brother, Phillip Wheeler, was seething with anger, and he seized her wrist.

"You're crossing the line, you know that? Emerie's been nothing but kind to you. How could you treat her so poorly? Apologize, and do it now!"

A surge of pain shot through Hanna's wrist as Phillip's fingers tightened their hold. Blue veins protruded from his hands, and he was seemingly ready to crush her bones.

Hanna rolled her eyes and shot him a defiant look. "Did I do anything wrong? Why should I apologize to her?"

"Unbelievable! You remain unrepentant even now!"

Phillip clutched Emerie, holding her protectively in his arms. His gaze softened when directed at Emerie, but as he glared back at Hanna, his tone turned icy and furious. "I overheard what Emerie said earlier. Have you lost your mind? How could you gallivant around all night? You're acting like the uncultured country bumpkin you are! Your antics might tarnish the longstanding friendship between the two families! We should let Emerie marry Ryland instead."

Hanna smirked wryly.

She deciphered Phillip's intentions. He aimed to exploit this situation to coerce Hanna into relinquishing her engagement to Ryland.

Before this, Emerie's identity hadn't been revealed. Ryland and Emerie, having grown up together, were presumed to marry for quite some time.

Even upon Hanna's return, the Wheeler family attempted to marry Emerie into the Quinn family. However, Ryland's grandfather vouched for Hanna, the legitimate daughter of the Wheeler family.

So, to fulfill Emerie's desires, the Wheelers had no qualms about defaming Hanna.

"Do you want me to call off the engagement? No big deal. I'm not particularly fond of Ryland anyway!"

Hanna waved off Phillip's hand, freeing her wrist effortlessly. "If we go down that road, I want Emerie to kneel and apologize right in front of me. And I want Ryland to publicly admit to having an affair with his fiancée's sister through all media channels and renounce the engagement."

Emerie's complexion turned ashen. She instinctively denied, "I didn't have an affair with Ryland! How could I seduce your fiancé?"

Observing the perplexed expression on Phillip's face, Emerie clenched her fists, appearing innocent and alarmed. "Hanna, you've completely misunderstood us. Ryland and I have been like siblings since childhood. It's not what you think... How could you even think that of me?"

Glancing at her delicate countenance, Hanna felt repulsed.

"Since you claim innocence, are those marks on your neck the handiwork of some other gentleman?"

Hanna cast a cold smile at Emerie. "Having a good time, aren't you? Clearly, I'm not versed in the peculiar games you seem to enjoy playing."

Emerie's face froze once again. She attempted to compose herself and explained, "I have allergies. How could you think so poorly of me?"

Hanna sneered. "I don't have the patience to engage in this argument! This is the only condition for me to consider cancelling the engagement."

In Hanna's world, she wouldn't swallow insults and degradation. Even though Ryland was a piece of trash to her, Emerie had to kneel if she wanted to steal him from her.

Emerie's lips trembled; she was rendered speechless. Meanwhile, Philip clenched his fists and snapped, "Hanna! Enough!"

He went on furiously, "Ryland has no interest in you whatsoever. Emerie has always been sensible and accomplished. She's refined and looks every bit the daughter-in-law of a wealthy family. But you? You're brash and ignorant! First, you pleaded with Ryland to separate him from Emerie, and now you're making outrageous demands. You're beyond vicious! Emerie and Ryland share equal social standing, having grown up together. They are the perfect match!"

Hanna sneered at him. "Mr. Wheeler, have you forgotten that I am the legitimate daughter of the family? I should be the one to grow up with Ryland and receive proper education."

Philip was left speechless.

"Philip, don't waste your words on her."

A man in a loose sweatshirt and headphones strolled in, appearing as if he had just completed his morning run.

He cast an arrogant gaze at Hanna and stated, "Give up the engagement. Otherwise, we'll tighten the purse strings, and you'll be singing a different tune!"

Having said that, he cradled Emerie in his arms, saying to her gently, "Don't worry. I'm on your side. I'll teach this unruly girl a much-needed lesson!"

Emerie clutched Colby Wheeler's clothing, her eyes reddening. She looked pitiful. "Colby, don't quarrel with Hanna on my behalf. I'm an outsider. You're family..."

Colby's heart ached at the sight of Emerie in such a state. "Nonsense. You're my favorite sister, the little princess of our family!"

He glared at Hanna and bellowed, "Get on your knees! Apologize to Emerie!"