Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 82

She leaned back in the tub, her lips curling into a tight, determined smile. Let them mock her fainting. Let them revel in Emma's so-called victory. In just a few minutes, the headlines would change. The announcement would be everywhere: Annie Pregnant with Alexander's Child.

It was a risk, but it was the ace up her sleeve. She was already picturing how things would now go with public opinion. The story would now be worked to her advantage: she, the vulnerable mother-to-be, carrying the child of one of the most powerful men in the city. Sympathy would drown out the criticism. Emmd might have the money and power, but Annie had one thing nobody Emma do not have-a connection to Alexander.

As the article dropped into cyberspace, her timer on her phone was buzzing, while her heart was pounding in anticipation. She was far from being defeated.

Annie stepped out of the bath, wrapping herself in a robe as her phone began ringing and ringing constantly. It was online, and comments started reeling in. Suddenly, it was this rush of satisfaction that flowed in with the first ripples of the public response, and then the tide had begun to change

For now, the game was back to neutral .But deep down, Annie knew she had to tread carefully. Emma was no longer the quiet, unassuming threat she once thought. She was a storm, and Annie needed to be ready to weather it.

Jaden woke up with a pulsating headache and a tummy that was churning with regret. The night's excessive drinking still had its residuals clinging to him. Every move was an effort. He groaned as his legs swung over the side of the bed, pressing into his temples to try and quiet the pounding pain that was at least throbbing.

He dragged himself to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face before reaching for his toothbrush. The instant the foam with its minty taste filled his mouth, his mind replayed in detail the events of the night before. Emma, in calm, poised, utterly magnetic demeanor, had stepped into the limelight of the CEO of W2 Holdings and shattered every illusion he may have maintained about her.

Anger coursed through him, a searing mix of betrayal and frustration. She had played him for a fool. For months, he had thought she was just another ambitious woman trying to keep up in a world too big for her. But Emma wasn't merely surviving-she had been ruling the game all along, quietly and powerfully.

Jaden spat into the sink, his hands clenching tightly onto its edges as his reflection mocked him. How had he missed it? How had he let himself be so blind? He stormed out of the bathrooni, quickly dressing in his usual suit and tie, though nothing about the day ahead felt usual. He grabbed his keys and stormed out of his apartment, the heavy weight of last night's revelations pressing on his chest.

The drive to his office did little to calm his nerves. He kept clenching the steering wheel, with each turn his knuckles turned whiter. He hadn't heard from Emma this morning-not even a text or a call. More than anything, that set his frustration. ablaze: she didn't care enough even to confront him or explain

Pulling in to the underground parking. Jaden stepped out with an air of determination. As he walked into the towering building, he could notice the change right away. The staff once indifferent or polite out of obligation greeted him with respect bordering on awe. He ignored the hellos and the sidelor glances; he strode right to his office.

He threw himself into work, trying to block everything out, but constant pings of emails and calls would not let him concentrate. His inbox blew up with messages congratulating him, asking about the connection with Emma, or offering him deals for partnering. He wanted to scream. Instead, he silenced his phone and buried his face in his hands.

A shrill knock at his door pulled him from his brooding.

"Come in," he growled, a lot sharper than he had meant.

Miss Zipporah Paul came in, her professional smile perfectly see "Sir, the chairman wants to see you now," she announced

1/2

21:18 Tue Dec 17

Chapter 82

crisply 2K 53

П

Jaden let out a sigh and waved his hand dismissively. Tll be there once I'm done with this," he returned, holding up a file he hadn't even opened

Zipporah nodded and left without a word. Thirty minutes later Jaden reluctantly made his way to his father's office. He

apped once before stepping inside, his face was a mask, but his heart was heavy

His father was a man not known to be light-hearted greeted him with a laugh-one that sounded alien to Jaden

Sit down son. Let's talk" the older man said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

Jaden's face didn't change as he did so.

"If you had told me who she really was. I wouldn't have said a word against her his father started, and his voice was tinged with rare approval

"It doesn't matter anymore." Jaden muttered, eyes fixed on the polished desk.

His father, too caught up in his own excitement, didn't hear him or chose to ignore it. The overnight surge in their stock price had put him in a jubilant mood, and he wasn't about to let anything dampen it.

You've done well Jaden. Bring her over for dinner tonight" his father said, a broad smile spreading across his face

"Tm busy tonight" Jaden replied flatly.

"Your mother is already preparing dinner. This is a great opportunity to consolidate our position, perhaps even catch up with the likes of Alexander Black When are you planning to marry her? We need to make it as soon as possible." Jaden's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. 'Last night, you told me to drop her at the event," he said, his voice bitter.

"And I'm glad you didn't his father exclaimed, laughing again. "El be expecting both of you-and her twins-tonight" Jaden stood abruptly, his chair scraping across the floor. Without another word, he left the office, his father's enthusiasm ringing bollow in his ears. Sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall in his apartment later that night. Jaden couldn't help but think. How had he missed the signs? Emma had been right there in front of him-brilliant, fearless-and he had treated her like she was beneath

22