A cold glint shed in Darcy''s eyes when he saw that Emerald remainedpletely calm and could even smile.


    "Emerald, we''ve known each other for so many years. I don''t want things to get ugly. You already have more wealth than you could spend in a lifetime, and with Brian losing a leg, he''s no longer a viable sessor to the Nixons. If you step down now, I won''t make things difficult for you," Darcy said.


    Emerald set down her teacup, her expression steady as she met Darcy''s gaze. "I''ve told you before—my chosen sessor is my eldest daughter, N, not Brian. So whether or not Brian is injured has nothing to do with the future of the Nixons."


    Darcy''s face darkened. "So you''re refusing to settle this peacefully?"


    "The moment you came to my estate and kidnapped my daughters, a peaceful resolution was off the table," Emerald replied.


    As soon as she finished speaking, more than a dozen men in ck emerged from the shadows, swiftly surrounding them.


    Darcy''s expression changed instantly. He gritted his teeth. "Emerald, what the hell do you think you''re doing?!"


    Emerald smirked. "I''m making it very clear who''s really in charge."


    At her signal, the ck-d men surged forward. Within two minutes, Darcy was pinned to the ground.


    Restrained and furious, he leered at Emerald. "You think I came here unprepared? Before I arrived, I ordered Tony to rally our forces. Right now, this estate ispletely surrounded!"


    He expected Emerald to panic at this revtion, but instead, she simply chuckled. "Darcy, do you really think Tony works for you?"


    Darcy''s eyes widened in shock. "What?! That''s impossible!"


    Tony Auger had always been on his side. They had spent years strategizing


    together, plotting against Emerald with ruthless precision. He despised her-Darcy was certain of it.


    Emerald''s gaze was almost pitying. "How sad. You only figured it out now? If you don''t believe me, I''ll let Tony tell you himself."


    She dialed a number. "Come to the estate. Now."


    Tony had been waiting just outside. Within five minutes, he strode into the pavilion.


    He spared a nce at the restrained Darcy before turning to Emerald. "Madam, you called for me?"


    At the sight of Tony standing so calmly by Emerald''s side, Darcy finally understood. His face twisted in fury and disbelief "Tony treated you like a brother And you were Emerald''s man all along?! You''re a traitor!"


    Tony met his gaze with calm indifference. "Darcy, have you forgotten who gave us a ce belong in the first ce? I haven''t. Madam helped me. I would never let anyone harm her-not even you."


    Darcy was stunned for a moment, then let out a bitterugh.


    "She may have given us an opportunity back then, but everything I''ve achieved is because of my own effort! I owe her nothing! Our loyalty belongs to the Nixons, not this woman!" His tone was mocking.


    Tony shook his head. "Darcy, stop pretending this is about the family. You kidnapped


    Ms. Nixon for one reason only-Mary, the woman you''re obsessed with."