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Aliana was in unfamiliar territory, feeling a surge of fear as she desperately sought an escape, even if it meant resorting to persuasion.

"Emmett! I admit to those actions, but consider this: She exploited my absence, using her resemblance to me to steal you away! Shouldn't I feel betrayed?"

The stream of comments resumed with intensity.

"Incredible twist! I assumed the other woman was causing trouble, but she's actually the substitute, now defending the original. Aliana seems somewhat pitiful!"

"These replacement narratives are so frustrating!"

"I always sensed Athena was the virtuous one. What's wrong with Emmett? How could he be so harsh to a stand-in?"

"Shouldn't we alert the authorities? Someone needs to rescue Aliana!"

"Athena? Another Athena? How many Athenas are there? I'm getting confused!"

Emmett crouched down, his grip unyielding as he forced Aliana to meet his gaze.

The eyes he once viewed with sympathy now appeared utterly repugnant.