THE HEIR'S REVENGE

chapter 28

“How did you know where to find me?” I asked her, surprised at how intentional and precise she was at waiting for me.

Emma never waited. She was always the one who people waited for. The one who people always wanted to be around.

I was surprised at how bad she looked even with the amount of money that Daniel or was it Victoria? Was Victoria maltreating Emma?

As much as she looked bad, she still had her charm. And she was taking a risk. For me.

We were outside where people were sitting and watching. It was already so dangerous for her to be seen with her ex but openly? It would cause chaos.

Not just for her but for me too. Daniel would come after me, not like he'd win but that could ruin reputation

“I met you at the same time as before. I waited for you.”

I nodded.

“Did Daniel mention anything specific about who he was going to approach for the address.”

“No. Just someone.”

I wasn't really worried. That information wasn't really accessible anywhere but I was a bit bothered about Lily. Henry had suggested changing her school but I had said no.

We would simply increase her security.

“What else should I know?’

"Victoria said she wanted movement before the end of the month." Emma looked at me. "That's twelve days from now."

Twelve days.

My thoughts were everywhere. Doyle has been quiet for days after Brandon people went after him.” A pause. “I think that Victoria knows that you know. She knows that you are aware about everything but she's certain you have no proof.”

Ugh.. he wants some proof doesn't he?.

She looked at me when she said it.

I looked back at her.

I was just an angry boy who had a new bank account and who wanted to protect his family by all means. I thought about the medical documents that Dr. Chen handed to me. The recorded conversation. Even Edward Hargrove resigned three days after the board meeting.

Was it all connected?

I thought about Lily and what she had told me on Saturday morning.

I stood up from the bench. Emma looked at me trying to read my expression.

"Thank you," I said.

She blinked. It was the second time I had thanked her for something she didn't expect thanks for, and both times she had seemed unsettled. It seemed like she had only prepared herself for my harshness and nothing more.

"Are you going to tell me what you're going to do with what I told you?" she asked.

"No."

She nodded slowly. Of course, she had expected that answer.

“Ethan, take care of that little girl.”

I was going to take care of her anyways but because someone else cared, I was going to fight the whole world for my little cousin.

I left her there on the bench.

Brandon was still waiting when I came out without a word. We walked across the path together before he finally asked the question in his mind.

“Is everything fine?”

“Yes.” I said and turned away. That wasn't true. I wasn't fine but I shouldn't share my luge problems with Brandon.

Brandon was aware of my story but it was getting deeper and I didn't want it to get worse than it should. I pleaded with my phone to text Henry. He was the one I always texted first when things like this happened.

Lily was at home with her Nanny who I had paid double and in full to stay home with Lily. Henry, the last time we spoke, was still getting security men ready for Lily, especially for school.

I hated the fact that I have to make full grown men follow a young girl to school but this was to protect her. I also hated that I had to make Lily face this. The little girl can't even enjoy her childhood because of security reasons.

I felt guilty but it was my only choice, I'd never let Victoria use her as leverage.

“Call me when you're free. Victoria has a timeline. Twelve days.” I texted Henry.

Henry's reply came back in under two minutes. “Understood. I'll have options for you by this evening.”

I put the phone in my pocket and kept walking.

Maybe it was time for me to finally meet Victoria and ask her what she really wanted. Why was she after me? The better question was supposed to be what did mother do to her? Why was she after mother for years?

Was it the necklace? What really was the problem? I wanted to know?

From the Pierce family, I'd only met Emma, then Sophia when she was having that crisis. Now I guess it was finally time for me to pay my former family an official visit.

I needed answers.

Behind me, somewhere on the bench where I had sat with Emma Clarke, she was still seated in her ordinary coat unsure of what to do next.

Even though the news was against her, I've heard about Daniel's escapades with other women. He was constantly on the news and it was always about one scandal or the other.

I didn't look back. Emma brought this upon herself. She wanted to live the billionaire life but now, she was regretting it. I'd expected her to play along.

When we were together, she didn't care if I slept with another woman because she simply didn't love me which unfortunately I had found out very late.

I know that she wouldn't want to admit it but Emma was still with Daniel because somehow she hoped that Daniel would change. That he would start spending so much money on her again like before.

That didn't matter to me. I had twelve days to plan. Only twelve days to get things together.

Victoria must not meet me unprepared. Not when Lily's life was at stake or when my own life too.

And I did not intend to waste a single one of them.