My Versatile Wife

Chapter 8---Announcing Our Engagement

At the Wright Villa, the living room buzzed with tension. Lucy, Daniel, Daisy, Scarlett, and Emily's close friends were gathered, while Emily and Henry sat across from them, the atmosphere heavy.

"Emily, you're too soft-hearted! You and my brother are in love, yet she called the police on you? She's trying to ruin you!" one friend exclaimed.

"Exactly! After breaking up with Henry, she was seen with another guy at a bar. She's no saint!" another added.

"Emily, you're a public figure. The internet is full of lies about you. You need to act fast," a third friend urged.

"Yes, Aurora's actions were malicious. You can't let her get away with this," Daisy chimed in.

Emily glanced at Lucy, her face pale and sorrowful. "What can I do? She's my sister. Fighting her will only trouble Grandma and our parents."

Lucy nodded approvingly, but Daniel interjected, "Why should I be in a difficult position? Has she ever treated you like a sister?"

"Uncle, it's not her fault... it's mine," Henry said calmly.

Emily quickly added, "No, it's my fault. If I hadn't fallen for Henry, my sister wouldn't have..."

"Emily, that's not what I meant," Henry interrupted, serious. "We should have been honest from the start. Now you're suffering because of my poor handling."

Emily looked at him gratefully. "Henry..."

Lucy coughed lightly, smiling at Henry. "Mr. Thompson, the situation has escalated. What's your plan?"

Henry's expression darkened, and Emily tensed. "Mrs. Lucy Wright, I won't let Emily suffer. I'll release a statement announcing our relationship."

Lucy's face brightened, and Daisy and Daniel were excited. Emily, however, looked worried. "But everyone knows you're engaged. Will they believe us?"

Henry took her hand. "Few know who my fiancée is. I'll announce that the engagement was always meant for you."

Emily smiled, relieved, but then frowned. "What about my sister..."

"I'll handle her," Lucy said authoritatively. "And there's no need for an online announcement. We'll host a banquet for Emily's birthday and announce it then."

Henry nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Lucy Wright."

"Discuss this with your parents. This concerns marriage," Lucy advised.

"They've agreed. They adore Emily," Henry assured.

"Good," Lucy smiled. "Stay for lunch?"

Henry stood. "No, Mrs. Lucy Wright. I have business to attend to. I'll visit again."

"Very well," Lucy said, turning to Emily. "See Mr. Thompson out."

Emily rose obediently. "Yes."

Once they left, Lucy's expression hardened. She turned to Daniel. "Call your daughter. Tell her to come home tonight."

Daniel agreed quickly. "Yes."

...

After a phone call, Aurora hung up, only for it to ring again. Seeing the caller ID, her appetite vanished. She answered flatly, "Dad."

"So you remember I'm your father!" Daniel's voice boomed. Aurora pulled the phone away, setting it on speaker.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"When did you return?" he demanded.

"Why do you ask?" she replied coolly.

"You came back without telling anyone. Do you even consider this your home?" he accused.

Aurora smirked bitterly. "Didn't I call you when I returned?"

Daniel hesitated. "When? I don't remember."

Aurora's smile turned derisive. Ever since Emily's return, Daniel had ignored her. Now he questioned her for not notifying him?

Realizing his mistake, Daniel felt awkward. "Fine. The company's been expanding. I've been busy. Can't you understand? You haven't visited home. What kind of behavior is that?"

Aurora, impatient, asked coldly, "What do you actually want?"

"Your grandmother wants you home for dinner tonight," he said.

"No."

"What? You're still a Wright. What's wrong with coming home for dinner? Do I need to pick you up?" he asked.

Aurora smirked. "Suddenly inviting me for dinner? I'm afraid the food might be poisoned."