"We''ll see how long you can hold out!" Emerald challenged.


    Delia sneered. "Fine, you said it. Don''t go back on your word!"


    "Don''t worry, I won''t." With that, Emerald turned sharply and walked away.


    Once in her study, she sank into a chair. Her icy expression slowly turned to one of exhaustion.


    She had spent years fighting to be the head of the Nixons. But now, one of her children had lost a leg in a plot, and the other was infatuated with a man utterly unworthy of her.


    For the first time, she felt like a failure.


    Even though she had finally gained control of the Nixons, what was the point? She was still alone.


    Lost in thought, Filipe hurriedly knocked and entered. "Madam, Mr. Jayston was secretly taken from the hospital!"


    Emerald''s angry voice echoed. "What were those people at the hospital doing? How could they let him be taken, with so many people watching?"


    Harrison was her only leverage over N. If he disappeared, she would lose control of N. But, as she considered her situation, she realized that controlling N didn''t matter much anymore.


    After all, Edward had woken up. Once he returned to take control of the Nixons, he would surely pass it on to Mary''s illegitimate child.


    Emerald took a deep breath and steadied herself. "Find him. He must be found within three days!"


    "Understood, Madam," Filipe replied.


    Overwhelmed by recent events, Emerald suddenly coughed up blood after Filipe.


    Stunned, she quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe it away.


    As she wiped, she froze, her expression turning cold.


    The only way to keep everything she had was to kill Edward.


    Pet


    Once Edward was dead, all her problems would be solved. She wouldn''t have to worry about him recovering returning, and fighting. her for contro of the Nixons nor would she need to fear those in the family siding with him.


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt this was the only solution.


    Just as she began to think of how to make Edward''s death quiet and untraceable, Filipe knocked and entered.


    Upon seeing the blood on the desk, his face turned pale. "Madam, are you injured?!"


    Emerald shook her head. "I''m fine. I just got so worked up that I coughed up some blood, but I feel better now."


    Concerned, Filipe studied her


    closely. He had noticed her health deteriorating recently. "Madam you should really go to the hospital for a full check up.


    "It''s fine. I know my body. It''s just the stress from everythingtely. I''ll rest and be


    fine. By the way, what brings you here again?" Emerald asked.


    Filipe remembered his purpose. "Ms. Nixon started packing her things as soon as she got back to her


    room


    saying she''s moving out. The maids


    couldn''t stop her, so I came to ask


    what you''d like to do."


    Delia''s name sparked anger in Emerald''s eyes. She was about to speak when a sudden surge in her throat made her cough up more blood.


    Filipe turned pale, rushing forward. "Madam, I''ll arrange for the driver to take you to the hospital for a check-up right away!"