CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT - THE FINAL BETRAYAL

Emma's hands trembled as she stared at the damning photos on her phone. The room fell silent, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. "Emma, what is it?" Marcus asked, his voice laced with concern. She looked up, her green eyes brimming with tears. "How could you, Marcus? After everything?" Marcus furrowed his brow, confusion evident on his face. "What are you talking about?" Emma thrust the phone at him, her voice cracking. "These! You and Victoria, last week. You lied to me. Again." Marcus's eyes widened as he scrolled through the photos. "Emma, I swear, this isn't what it looks like. I haven't seen Victoria since-" "Since when, Marcus?" Emma interrupted, her voice rising. "Since you told me you'd cut ties with her? Clearly, that was a lie." James stepped forward, his face a mask of concern. "Emma, I'm so sorry. I knew Victoria was scheming, but I had no idea it went this far." Emma whirled on him. "And you? How do I know you're not part of this too?" James held up his han