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Chapter 41: Echoes of the Past
last update2025-02-25 02:29:43

The sun had barely begun to rise when Adrian stepped into the grand office that had once felt like a prison. The polished floors, the floor-to-ceiling windows with their breathtaking views—everything about Vale Industries was now his to rebuild. Yet, as he sank into the leather chair at his desk, the weight of the past pressed on him like a suffocating fog.

Emma stood by the window, her arms crossed, watching the city come alive below. She had changed so much since he’d first met her—stronger, more independent, but the pain in her eyes hadn’t fully healed. Adrian’s gaze lingered on her, a sense of guilt gnawing at him. He knew he’d hurt her, even if he hadn’t meant to. But now, as they worked to reclaim their lives, he realized just how much they still had to face.

“We can’t just pretend everything is fine, Emma,” Adrian said, his voice low. “Victor’s empire is gone, but the damage... it’s not over. There are people out there who still want to see us fall.”

Emma turned to face him, he
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