?Chapter 1325:


    A look of disappointment flickered across Emerson’s face.


    Even the way Sadie held herself, the stubborn tilt of her chin, reminded him of Brenda.


    Without another word, Emerson settled himself at the table.


    “We’ll get to business soon enough, but first, you should eat,” he insisted, his tone warm but unyielding. “Young people need to look after themselves. Don’t follow your mother’s example. She worked herself to exhaustion and always put her own well-beingst.” As he spoke, Emerson lifted a serving spoon and gently ced a helping of perfectly grilled pork ribs on the te set out for Sadie.


    Sadie’s footsteps faltered. She was caught off guard.


    How could he possibly know that her mother’s health had suffered from overwork? Or that grilled pork ribs had always been her favorite?


    Still, Sadie crossed the room, her tone taking on a sharper edge.


    “Did you know my mother well? And where are my parents’ ashes? Give them to me. Now!”


    Emerson stilled for a heartbeat but continued to dish out the food, his manner patient.


    “Be patient. Eat something first. Once we’re finished, I’ll take you to your mother.”


    Uncertainty and curiosity flickered across Sadie’s face as she studied Emerson.


    At first, she considered insisting they skip the meal and get straight to the point, but just then, her stomach betrayed her, rumbling loudly in the silent room.


    A flush of embarrassment crept up her cheeks, giving away her difort.


    Changing tactics, she decided she might as well y along for now and see what this mysterious man intended.


    With clear reluctance, Sadie picked up the utensils and began to eat. Two bites in, though, she found she couldn’t force herself to swallow another mouthful.


    With a decisive gesture, she set her knife and fork back on the table, the sound echoing her resolve.


    Her gaze turned steely as she met Emerson’s eyes. “Lead the way.” Whatever game he was ying, Sadie knew she had to remain alert, her guard never dropping for a moment.


    gα?ησν????s is where imagination thrives


    Emerson took one look at her barely touched te, then quietly put his own utensils aside as well.


    A weary sigh escaped him. “Young people are always so hasty—it’s not good to rush things like this.”


    Despite his mild chiding, the moment he caught Sadie’s restless gaze, he yielded.


    He got up, a flicker of tenderness passing through his expression. “Alright. Follow me.”


    They started toward the door, but halfway there, Emerson paused abruptly.


    He pivoted, his tall frame cutting off most of the doorway’s light. Aplicated look crossed his features as he asked, “Sadie, how old are you now? Do you have any children?”


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