Evelina’s expression stiffened for a split second, but she quickly turned to the technician, her voice soft and reassuring. “Calm down. Show me what’s going on. I might not know the Dome System as well as Ms. Lincoln, but I’ll do my best.”
Meanwhile, Cooper called Emmy into his office.
He let out a heavy sigh and put on his best fatherly act. “Emmy, I know you’re upset. But it’s not just up to me—there’s pressure from the board, too. They say you haven’t really been focused on work these past six months. Honestly, they’re not wrong.”
He picked up his coffee, blew on it, and kept up the gentle tone. “You know I want what’s best for you. But sometimes, my hands are tied.”
Emmy kept her eyes down, a cold little sneer tugging at her lips. She didn’t say a word.
Cooper switched tactics, his voice turning more earnest. “Look, there’s another company under the group—a smart home subsidiary called Forward Technology. How about you take over as director? I’d move you straight in.”
“It’s a small company, not a lot going on. Think of it as a break. Run it however you want, I’ll back you up.”
A cold wave swept through Emmy.
Forward Technology was a money pit, a home tech company that had been losing for years, practically on the chopping block. Dad was moving her from Starlight Tech’s core team to a director job at a sinking company? And then handing her position to Evelina? And this was supposed to be for her own good?
She lifted her head, sounding almost offhand. “Dad, you really treat Evelina well. Anyone listening would think she’s your real daughter.”
“Watch your mouth!” Cooper slammed his hand on the desk, face going dark. “You’re getting more and more out of line! You need to watch what you say!”
He pointed at the door, voice hard and sharp. “I’m issuing the transfer order right now. Report to Forward Technology immediately!”
Emmy just smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Dad, did you forget? According to Grandpa’s will, Starlight Corporation will be mine sooner or later.”
Cooper narrowed his eyes, letting out a cold laugh. “The will? That only counts if you’re married. As long as you stay single, Starlight Corporation is mine to run. You’ll do as I say.”
Suddenly, everything clicked for Emmy.
He grabbed his phone and called his wife, Teresa.
“Hey, Teresa, where’s Emmy’s ID?” he asked, trying to keep his tone light.
There was a pause. “It’s in the safe in the study. Why?”
“No reason. I just need it for something. I’ll have someone pick it up later.” He tried to sound casual.
But in his head, he was already scheming. As long as he had Emmy’s ID, Emmy wouldn’t be able to pull any tricks behind his back.
After he hung up, Teresa frowned, thinking hard. Then she immediately called Emmy.
“Emmy, your dad just called asking about your ID. He’s sending someone to get it. Looks like you were right—he’s definitely up to something.”

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