《Sweet Revenge: Jace & Emerald》


 Prologue

    ¡°Prepare dinner. My brother and parents will be here. I am going to introduce them to you,¡± Jace said, making Emerald¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. Her luggage was ready, and she was only waiting for her husband to leave for work before she left their mansion for good. She couldn¡¯t utter a word until he was out of her sight.


    With that, Emerald felt happy, thought Jace had a change of heart, and was ready to ept her. She started moving and nning for the menu she would cook forter. She wanted to impress Jace¡¯s family so they could also ept her. For a year, she thought she would never have a chance to meet her husband¡¯s family, keep asking herself whether they knew about her.


    Feeling ted, Emerald cleaned everything before she started cooking and made sure to finish earlier to have time to make herself beautiful. She wanted Jace to see her as a beautiful woman and not what Emerose had told her she was.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯m done!¡± Emerald eximed after she prepared the table. She was so happy as if she was floating in the air. ¡°I have to get ready, too.¡± She said, talking to herself.


    Young Morgan went to her bedroom, started cleaning up, and took a bath. ¡°Oh my gosh! What am I going to wear?¡± Her eyesnded on the dress Jace had given her when he brought her to a party. Although she felt sad about what had happened back then, she had no choice but to wear it since she had no other decent clothes.


    She applied lipstick and baby powder to her face, and when she liked what she saw in the mirror, she smiled. ¡°Jace has finally realized that I am his wife. I had to be beautiful for him.¡± Emerald¡¯s eyesnded on her luggage sitting beside her bed. She smiled and thought, ¡®Should I unpack now?¡¯ She shook her head and added, ¡®No. I¡¯ll do itter. They mighte soon, and I didn¡¯t want them to wait for me.¡¯


    After Emerald was done with herself, she descended the stairs and nned to wait for her husband in the living room. But as soon as she was on thest step, she saw Jace get into the house and close the door.


    ¡°Jace,¡± she said, making him look at her. She weed him with a sweet smile. Young Higginson liked what he saw, making him feel ufortable.


    ¡®Fuck! She¡¯s really beautiful.¡¯ He thought and shook his head to shake off the thoughts that started to enter his mind.


    But Emerald approached him and initiated the kiss, hoping he would not push her away.


    Jace was stunned, but after feeling how soft his wife¡¯s lips were, he responded to her kisses, pulling her closer until they became more intimate.


    Young Higginson had wanted Emerald and made her his. Now that his wife had initiated it, he would never let the chance go. He lifted young Morgan and brought her to his bedroom, where he took his wife repeatedly.


    For a moment, Jace forgot who Emerald was and what he thought she did to his brother. All he thinks about is how much he likes and wants his wife.


    ¡°Emerald¡­¡± He moans every time he reaches his climax, and at the same time, young Morgan moans his name as well.


    Emerald felt loved. Jace had been gentle with her, so she thought he knew he was the only man in her life. She also felt desired, as her husband took her passionately.


    As the heat subsides, Emerald and Jace stay lying on his bed. Young Morgan feels like she is in heaven despite feeling sore even though she doesn¡¯t know how she will face her husband out of shyness.


    Jace, on the other hand, was thinking about whether he would talk about the divorce. He liked what happened, and he thought it was the best thing that happened to him. But anger took over him, and before Emerald could say a thing, he got up from his bed, opened the drawer in the bedside table, and took the divorce paper before handing it to Emerald.


    Emerald took it, confused. ¡°D-divorce?¡± She asked with teary eyes after reading the content.


    ¡°Yes. I want a divorce.¡± He replied with a stoic face. ¡°Sign them and leave,¡± he added.


    ¡°But I thought¡±


    ¡°You thought wrong. What happened to us means nothing to me. You¡¯re just like any other woman I bedded. But still, thank you for giving me your first time.¡± Jace said, cutting off Emerald¡¯s words while he got dressed. His parents and brother will be arriving soon, and he wants to see how his wife reacts after she sees his brother.


    Unknown to him, Emerald was so broken that she thought she would die. She couldn¡¯t breathe as she tried to hold her tears. But didn¡¯t want Jace to see her at her worst, so she hardened her heart and got up from the bed and dressed.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Jace watched Emerald as she signed the papers with trembling hands. He thought he had sessfully taken his revenge, seeing how Emerald looked. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to get anything from this marriage since you¡¯ve signed a prenuptial agreement.¡± Emerald looked at him, confused. ¡°There¡¯s a use on the marriage certificate that if we divorce, you won¡¯t get anything,¡± he added.


    ¡°What makes you think I need your money?¡± she asked. She didn¡¯t want to say anything but thinking Jace thought she wanted his money, angered her.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you are? Looking for a wealthy man you can use to get rich?¡± Jace asked mockingly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to marry a man to get rich, and I will prove to you that I would be sessful without you in my life.¡± Emerald replied in pain, letting her tears flows freely. ¡°I will make sure that you will regret this and that I will never forgive you in this lifetime. I hate you, Jace Higginson, and I will bury my love for you at the bottom of the Mariana Trench so that I would have to die before I feel that way towards you again.¡± Those were thest words she said before she left the room to go to her bedroom and grabbed her luggage.


    Emerald walked down the stairs. Just as she was at the entrance door, she met a couple and a man whom she thought were Jace¡¯s parents and brother, looking at her curiously. She bowed respectfully before walking out of the mansion and out of Jace¡¯s life.

 Chapter 1

    ¡°Please prepare Emerald for next week¡¯s wedding.¡± Jace Higginson said that shocks the Morgan family. They never thought he would choose the younger daughter over the sophisticated-looking elder daughter.


    In her baggy clothes, Emerald looks at the most dashing and handsome man she has ever seen. She, too, can¡¯t believe that the man who entered their mansion earlier would choose her.


    ¡°Are you sure, Mr. Higginson?¡± Emerald¡¯s father, Emerson Morgan, asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Our eldest daughter will suit you more. She¡¯s educated, beautiful, and very charming. I¡¯m sure that you will be able to present her to any of your business associates.¡± Merly Morgan added.


    Emerald couldn¡¯t understand why her parents were saying those words. It was as if she was so worthless and unworthy to get married to someone like Jace Higginson. She couldn¡¯t do anything but let her head down out of shame while trying to stop her tears from falling.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°My decision is final. I¡¯m choosing her to be my wife.¡± Jace replied, making Emerald¡¯s heart flutter.


    ¡°Dad, Mom,e on. Don¡¯t pressure Mr. Higginson. I¡¯m sure he thinks about this, and there¡¯s nothing wrong with my little sister.¡± Emerose uttered those words, ring at Emerald from within.


    Emerose is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. She grew up to be a stunning woman, receiving constant praises from everyone, which made the two old Morgans feel proud of her. They consider their eldest daughter their lucky charm.


    On the other hand, Emerald, the youngest Morgan, is a timid woman. Following Emerald¡¯s birth, her father fell victim to a financial scam, nearly causing them to face bankruptcy. Although the young Morgan has nothing to do with it, the couple believes she¡¯s the reason for it and has marked her as the family¡¯s jinx.


    Emerson Morgan tried everything he could to save theirpany. Believing Emerose was a charming kid, he always brought her to his every business gathering.


    In the long run, the Morgan patriarch didn¡¯t just manage to save their business but grow it as well. For years, they have been the leading grocery store in the country. But now, they face financial problems and need an investor to save theirpany.


    Jace Higginson agreed, but on the condition that he marry one of the Morgan siblings. Emerson agreed immediately, thinking Jace would choose her precious eldest daughter.


    Emerald couldn¡¯t react or look at everyone, so she put her head down and started thinking about her married life. She thought Jace Higginson liked her; that¡¯s why he chose her. She began thinking about how she would serve him and how many kids they would raise together.


    The young Morgan knew Jace even before he came to their mansion. She knew that he was the CEO of SoftWare Group. Aputer softwarepany that is known in the country and the world. Emerald was also aware of Jace¡¯s constant presence among women. However, the innocent young Morgan thought he had changed because he chose her.


    After a week, Jace returned to Morgan Mansion with a piece of paper. Emerald was shocked to find out that they would only sign the documents and that there would be no wedding ceremony.


    ¡°I have no time for ceremonies, so I didn¡¯t bother preparing. Just sign, and my assistant will take care of the rest,¡± Jace said, leaving Emerald¡¯s mouth open. At the same time, Emerose and their parents smiled internally. They thought that Jace didn¡¯t care about Emerald at all.


    Jace stayed at the Morgan mansion the whole day until his assistant returned with a copy of their marriage certificate. Their marriage was legally binding even without a wedding ceremony or traditional wedding celebration. Then, Jace¡¯s investment contract was signed with the Morgans before they left the mansion.


    As Emerald and Jace left, Emerson, with his wife and eldest daughter, stayed in the living room and started discussing the marriage. ¡°Do you think Jace Higginson had a hidden agenda for why he married that jinx?¡± Merly asked.


    ¡°I think that way. He chose her as his wife, and I expect a grand wedding ceremony already. But after today, I¡¯m sure Mr. Higginson had no feelings towards that jinx.¡± Emerson answered, making Emerose smile internally, and started thinking about how she would seduce Jace Higginson.


    Unknown to her parents and other people, Emerose was envious of Emerald because of her natural beauty, which no one noticed because she always had her head down. With the youngest Morgan in baggy clothes, many thought that she was an ugly duckling. But for the eldest daughter, she saw how Emerald grew beautifully. This was the reason she would constantly tell Emerald that she was unattractive and that no one would ever like her.


    ¡°What¡¯s important is that we can save thepany now.¡± Emerson continued, making the women agree. They didn¡¯t want their business to go bankrupt because they spent much on themselves. They used to livevishly and didn¡¯t want to see themselves living on the street.


    Meanwhile, they are quiet in Jace¡¯s car, where Emerald is. The young Morgan hesitates to talk to her husband, thinking he doesn¡¯t like her. With the kind of wedding he gave her, she is confident that Mr. Higginson chose her over her sister out of whim. She realizes that it doesn¡¯t matter who he chooses. But even if it were like that, Emerald still hoped that Jace would like her.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Jace spoke, prompting Emerald to nce out the window. She exited the car when she saw her husband walking on the porch. ¡®He didn¡¯t even open the door for me,¡¯ she said while following Jace.


    The house was bigger than the Morgan mansion, and Emerald roamed her eyes around, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Jace. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing; I was just amazed. Your house is big,¡± Emerald replied hesitantly, even though the truth was that she was looking for people other than them.


    ¡°Make sure you can clean everything; I don¡¯t like a dirty home,¡± Jace spoke, widening Emerald¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I am going to clean here alone.¡±


    ¡°Why, do you have a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so big, and I don¡¯t think-¡±


    ¡°Enough! I don¡¯t want any disobedience. You are my wife, so you better do as I say. We don¡¯t have maids here, and I want a full-time wife.¡± Jace replied, cutting off her words. Emerald looked down, and no matter how much she thought about it, she didn¡¯t know how to clean this big house alone. ¡°Hurry and prepare our dinner,¡± Jace added before heading up the stairs, leaving the youngest Morgan confused.


    Emerald looked around the mansion once again before she decided to find the kitchen. She needed to cook if she didn¡¯t want Jace to get mad at her even more. Since she had been helping the maids in their mansion all her life, the young Morgan learned all household chores from them. Sometimes, they felt sorry for her when she had to do their job because Emerose wanted her to suffer.


    After leaving the Morgan mansion, Emerald thought that they would be going on their honeymoon. She expected that since Jace didn¡¯t give her a proper wedding ceremony. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder why her husband was doing that to her when she couldn¡¯t remember doing anything to upset him from the beginning.


    ¡®Everything that I expected in this marriage didn¡¯t happen. Howe he chose me when he was only doing this to me? Does he not want me at all?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. ¡®No, I think he¡¯ll change once I show him I am a good wife. Perhaps, like me, he was unustomed to this unusual situation. We will be able to adjust ourselves as the days go on,¡¯ the young Morgan said to herself, hoping against hope that what she was thinking would happen in the near future.

 Chapter 2

    ¡°Sir, I already found a nurse who will look after Sir Jack,¡± Nn, Jace¡¯s assistant, told him as soon as he entered his office the following day.


    ¡°Make sure that she will take good care of my brother.¡±


    ¡°I briefed her on what she needs to do. The maids had been informed about his supplement as well.¡± His assistant added. Jace couldn¡¯t remember how often he had hired a nurse for his brother because they kept resigning no matter how big their sry was. It was because his brother was hurting them, saying nasty things because he didn¡¯t like the idea of being saved. He was adamant about taking his own life, which angered Jace even more. His brother didn¡¯t want to recover even though he still had a big chance, especially when they had all the resources they needed for his medication and any surgeries he might require.


    Jace sat on his chair and started working. Last night, he didn¡¯t sleep well, thinking about his wife sleeping in a different room. He never thought that he would be feeling different towards Emerald.


    ¡°Hey man, what¡¯s up?¡± his friend Kyle greeted Jace as he entered his office. ¡°How¡¯s the newlywed?¡±


    ¡°Stop saying nonsense,¡± Jace replied. His friend didn¡¯t like his idea of revenge. Yes, Jace is avenging his older brother, Jack.


    ¡°Whatever, but I want to remind you about our trip next week.¡± His friend said, making him nod. They are scheduled to attend a conference in California where many technology enthusiasts will be present. It was vital for him to go there because he wanted to know about thetest trends.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    SoftWare Group is an in-demandputer softwarepany founded by Jace. In college, he decided to set up his ownpany, which made his father angry because he wanted his sons to take over their family business.


    Jace was thankful to his big brother for letting him do what he wanted while Jack trained to manage their family business. Everything went ording to n, and the young Higginson saw his brother¡¯s sess.


    One thing Jace admires about Jack is that he¡¯s very down to earth. The eldest, Higginson, always keeps his feet on the ground and has a low profile. Being shy, he only let his assistant attend all the important events. He kept his identity hidden, so no one knew besides his family that he was the CEO of the number onemercial bank in the country and internationally.


    Jace discovers that Jack is in a rtionship and deeply in love with a certain woman. But because the woman thought his brother was poor, she broke up with him. No matter how much Jack tried to talk and keep in touch with the woman, she didn¡¯t listen, causing him to fall into depression and,ter, take his life in a car ident.


    But the doctor managed to save Jack, only he would be tied to a wheelchair and darkness. But he still had a chance to see and walk, but he didn¡¯t want to undergo any surgery. Because of his situation, he didn¡¯t want to leave the house anymore.


    The patriarch and matriarch of the Higginsons were sad about what had happened to their eldest son, so they took care of him personally with the help of a nurse. Jace also took care of their family business and his own business, SoftWare Group.


    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve married her, how will you avenge your brother?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s the reason why Jack was like that. He didn¡¯t want to eat; he only wanted to take his life. That woman is selfish! I am going to make her suffer every day of her life.¡± Jace replied angrily, turning his face red. His jaw tightened as he tried to control his emotions.


    ¡°Have you talked to her? Have you asked her about Jack?¡± His friend asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to ask, Kyle?¡± Jace asked, annoyed. He didn¡¯t like that his friend was trying to justify the woman¡¯s actions.


    ¡°I just want you to be sure. You are already married to her and now living in the same house.¡±


    Jace sighed heavily, thinking about his wife, Emerald, and remembered the first time she saw her:


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, this is my eldest daughter, Emerose. She has a degree in¨C¡± Mr. Morgan said, introducing his favorite daughter to Jace, who was focused on another woman sitting opposite him. At first sight, he noticed her immediately. She catches his attention, making him wonder when she didn¡¯t do anything. It was as if he wanted to sit beside her, but he held onto himself because of his mission. No matter how attracted he was to the woman, his n had to be executed.


    As Mr. Morgan talked, Jace¡¯s face darkened when he heard that the eldest daughter was named Emerose. This made him sure that the woman he was looking at with her head down was Emerald. The same woman dumped her brother, thinking he was poor.


    Jace saw the shock on everyone¡¯s faces after announcing that he would marry Emerald. ¡®You¡¯re acting like an innocent woman, but in reality, you¡¯re a vixen,¡¯ he thought, looking at the young Morgan. ¡®I will make sure you¡¯re going to live in hell with me, ¡® he added.


    ¡°Jace!¡± Kyle called and snapped him back to the present.


    ¡°Get everything ready for our trip, and don¡¯t bother me about my wife,¡± He said as he continued working.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want.¡± His friend replied, shaking his head. Just as Kyke opened the door to leave Jace alone, his eyesnded on a woman.


    ¡°Hi, I want to speak to Mr. Higginson,¡± the woman said, making Kyle look back at his friend, who was already busy working. ¡°I¡¯m Emerose Morgan,¡± the woman added.


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle said, looking at her from head to toe and vice versa before he looked at his friend and called his attention.


    ¡°What?¡± Jace asked angrily and didn¡¯t bother to look at his friend, thinking he would only annoy him.


    ¡°Emerose Morgan wants to talk to you,¡± Kyle replied, making Jace look at them.


    ¡°Hi, Jace.¡± Emerose greeted him, feeling close to him. She then pushed Kyle away so she could get closer to Higginson.


    ¡°Emerose,¡± Jace said when the woman stood before him.


    ¡°Can I talk to you for a moment?¡± she asked. Jace nodded before looking at Kyle, still waiting at the door in case his friend needed him. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Kyle, I know her,¡± Jace said, so his friend left. ¡°Have a seat,¡± he told Emerose when they were left alone.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Emerose replied sweetly. Unknown to her, Jace thinks he can use her to make Emerald suffer, so he lets her approach him.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about, Ms. Morgan?¡± Jace asked, trying to hide his annoyance.


    ¡°Please call me Emerose. I know you didn¡¯t like Emerald, and I don¡¯t care about your reason for choosing her as your wife. I had a feeling that you wanted me but chose her instead.¡±


    Jace sneered at the woman internally. He thought she was an imbecile, thinking he would like someone like her. But he had to control his anger because of his n, and he already saw the oue because of Emerose.

 Chapter 3

    In the mansion, Emerald was confused because of how her husband had treated her. Although she had already felt that something was off, she still didn¡¯t give it much thought. She was cleaning the kitchen when she remembered how Jace talked to her earlier.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to work?¡± she asked, earning a re from Jace, who started to button his polo and get ready for work.


    ¡°Just because we¡¯re married would mean I would stop doing my business too.¡± Jace snarled at her. The young Morgan didn¡¯t understand that, so she asked.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we just married? Isn¡¯t it natural for you to leave for work even for a few days so we will have time to be together?¡± She looks innocent, and Jace couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy. He had never liked any woman before, but his wife gave him an unfamiliar feeling.


    ¡°Are you that eager to get intimate with me?¡± Jace asked mockingly.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t like that!¡± she eximed. Although she liked her husband and wanted him, she didn¡¯t dare admit that to him either.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to touch you, bitch. But since you want my dick so much, I will let you have it.¡± Jace said, looking at his wife lustfully. He didn¡¯t want to, but he couldn¡¯t shake off his wanton feelings for Emerald. ¡°Kneel,¡± Higginsonmanded, confusing his wife.


    Because Emerald wasn¡¯t moving, he pulled her and forced her to kneel in front of him before he unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. He was pulling it down with his briefs when his wife asked, confused. ¡°What are you doing?¡± She was looking up at him and tried to get up, but Jace stopped her on her shoulder.


    ¡°Open your mouth, bitch.¡± Jacemanded, scaring Emerald and, at the same time, hurting her because of the way he had called her.


    ¡°Please, Jace¡­¡± She pleaded.


    ¡°I am already pleasing you, so just open your fucking mouth!¡± He replied angrily, and fear engulfed Emerald, making her do as he said.


    Because of his size, Emerald can¡¯t take him whole when he thrusts his manhood in her mouth, making her gag. She was not used to it, so her eyes became teary until her tears cut down her cheeks, but Jace continued what he was doing, unbothered by her humiliated feeling.


    Jace grabbed Emerald by her hair and continued thrusting until he cummed and spilled all his juices in her mouth. ¡°Swallow them bitch!¡± Hemanded as he pressed her nose so she had no choice but to swallow his release.


    Feeling satisfied, Jace let go of her hair and returned to the bathroom to fix himself while Emerald was left on her knees, crying. She couldn¡¯t understand why her husband was angry at her. She thought she was willing to fulfill her wife¡¯s duty, and Jace didn¡¯t need to do that to her.


    ¡°You do that to me every morning before I go to work; you get that bitch?¡± He asked when he went out of the bathroom and found his wife still on the floor, kneeling and crying with her head down.


    Because Emerald didn¡¯t reply, Jace grabbed a fistful of her hair, making her look up to him. ¡°You answer whenever I ask you,¡± he said. The young Morgan was hurting, so she nodded, and that¡¯s when Jace let go of her hair like trash before leaving.


    Emerald wiped her tears after she remembered that incident. She was confused as to why Jace was so angry at her when they had just met when Higginson went to their mansion to choose his wife. All her life, she had been bullied and maltreated by her family, and she had never felt even once that she belonged.


    Even the maids mistreated her even if they didn¡¯t want to because of Emerose. She told them to hurt her, or they would be fired from their work. Without a choice, they would hurt Emerald. ¡®Is this really my fate? Don¡¯t I have the right to be happy? What did I do in my previous life to deserve this?¡¯ she asked herself. Then she remembered Lucy, her nanny, who had always been on her side no matter what.


    As far as the Morgans know, Lucy was an orphan, and after working for them to be Emerald¡¯s nanny, she devoted herself to her and loved her just like her own daughter. But she had gotten sick, and Emerald would ask her father for money for her medication. She¡¯s staying in the nursing home, but Emerald visits her often. She couldn¡¯t do anything when her parents decided to bring Lucy there.


    Young Morgan continues cleaning the mansion. She thinks she has no time to idle since Jace will only get angry when hees home to a dirty house. ¡®He¡¯ll change. He¡¯ll change when he sees my sincerity, and we will be happy, ¡® she thinks.


    It was in the afternoon when Emerose came to their mansion. Emerald was shocked because she didn¡¯t expect to see her. ¡°Just as I thought. Jace doesn¡¯t love you. He only needs someone to clean his house and do household chores.¡± Her sister said mockingly.


    ¡°I am his wife, and this is my duty. I am only doing what a good wife has to do to please my husband,¡± she replied bravely. But Emerose justughed at her. She had juste from Jace¡¯s office and knew that the young Higginson never loved her.


    ¡°Really?¡± Emerson asked, raising a brow. ¡°I doubt that, Emerald. You are ugly and worthless; how do you think Jace will fall for you? Have you forgotten? You¡¯re a jinx.¡±


    ¡°I am not!¡± Emerald replied angrily. She was done listening to her sister. ¡°I will never believe you, Emerose.¡±


    The eldest Morgan was shocked, but she shrugged her shoulders. She knew her little sister was easy to control. She has no self-confidence, so she knows it would be easy to discourage the young Morgan. ¡°Don¡¯t dream, Emerald. You know what you are, don¡¯t expect anything and bring down Jace with you, just like what you did to our family when you were born. If not for me, where do you think you are now? Dad brought me to all his business dealings and caught those businessmen¡¯s affection as a child. Even now, who has been facing the people? Isn¡¯t it me? It¡¯s because I am the lucky charm of our family.¡±


    Emerald was gravely affected because she knew her sister was telling the truth. It was when their Dad brought Emerose to his business meetings that those businessmen decided to help their grocerypany prosper right when she was a baby. Her nanny, Lucy, told her about that, but the olddy told her it wasn¡¯t her fault that their father had been scammed. But the young Morgan grew up believing that she was a jinx.


    ¡°Now, as a visitor, get me something to drink,¡± Emerose said. Emerald couldn¡¯t do anything but follow just like she always did. While the young Morgan was in the kitchen, her sister heard the sound of a vehicle and realized that Jace hade home.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your drink,¡± Emerald said when she returned with a ss of orange juice. Emerose took it but intentionally let it slide on her hand, causing the ss to fall and break. The eldest Morgan picked up some broken ss and deliberately hurt herself, began crying, and said, ¡°What did I do, Emerald? I just visited you to check if you¡¯re fine because I know that your marriage is something you¡¯re not ready for. I just want to help.¡± Tears were falling down Emerose¡¯s face, making Emerald feel confused about why her sister was acting that way.


    ¡°What did you do!¡± Jace¡¯s angry voice echoed in the living room. Emerald looked at him in fear and was starting to exin, but Emerose cried again, making Higginson approach her. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding,¡± he said, holding Emerose¡¯s hand. ¡°Let me take care of your wounds,¡± he told the eldest Morgan before looking at Emerald, who was stunned. ¡°What are you looking at? Pick those broken ss and clean the floor.¡± her husband snarled at her, making her kneel and pick up the sses.


    Emerose was so evil that when she started walking, she stepped on Emerald¡¯s hands, making the broken ss cut deep into her hands and bleed. ¡°What the¡ª wiped your fucking blood NOW!!¡± Jace shouted after seeing the blood on the floor before he pulled Emerose to the couch to attend to her wounds. The eldest Morgan was smiling internally because she had already confirmed that Higginson had no affection for her little sister.


    The young Morgan was hurt when she realized the floor was more important for her husband than her well-being. She was hurt, but Jace didn¡¯t even look at her.

 Chapter 4

    As the days went on, Emerald¡¯s sufferings never stopped. Emerose would visit their mansion from time to time only to hurt her physically and emotionally. The young Morgan didn¡¯t know why her sister was like that to her, and this started when she was a kid. All her life, she thought she was lucky to have someone like her who would be herpanion. But as she grew older, she realized that her sister was far from being apanion. She¡¯s her adversary, her demise.


    Besides her sister, Jace is an addition to her suffering and agony. The man she thought would be with her through thick and thin had neglected and mistreated and hurt her. Emerald fulfills her duty to her husband within a month of being married. He would mouth fuck her and humiliate her at the same time. He would tell her nasty and dirty words. But the young Morgan was still hopeful that everything she was doing would end as her husband would realize her worth.


    ¡°Get dressed, and we will attend a party,¡± Jace told her. Emerald looked at her husband in disbelief. She never thought that he would even think of bringing her to any gatherings he would be attending. With a happy heart, she went to her bedroom and started to clean up herself. She wanted to appear beautiful so Jace would never feel embarrassed for bringing her with him.


    Emerald was done bathing and drying her hair when Jace came into her bedroom and handed her two boxes, which she took silently. ¡°Wear that,¡± he said as he looked at her intently. He roamed her eyes all over her body as young Morgan was only in her towel, making her husband feel the need to touch her. ¡°And do it fast!¡± he added, annoyed, before leaving her bedroom.


    ¡®I should be simple and decent since it was a formal gathering. I didn¡¯t want my husband¡¯s business partner to think that I am nothing but a worthless wife,¡¯ Young Morgan thought while she applied her makeup. It was very light since she wasn¡¯t used to cosmetics. Once satisfied, she took the other box that Jace gave her and took out her shoes. She smiled, thinking her husband made an effort to buy her what she needed.


    The beautiful-looking Emerald went down to the living room and met Jace, but to her dismay, Emerose was also there with him, wearing a gorgeous gown. Although she looked elegant in her dress, she thought her sister was more stunning than her.


    Meanwhile, Jace couldn¡¯t help but look at his wife. He was stunned to see how simple Emerald was but very attractive. His face hardened, and he thought it was her ability to attract men to cheat and then leave them.


    Emerose, on the other hand, noticed how Jace looked at her younger sister. She was sure that Jace liked what he saw even though Emerald was wearing an effortless dresspared to what she was wearing now. ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± the eldest Morgan asked before taking Jace¡¯s hand. Emerald¡¯s eyesnded on her sister and husband¡¯s hands, which are now intertwined.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± the young Morgan said before getting between Jace and Emerose. She will never let her sister stay beside her husband. She¡¯s Mrs. Higginson, so she has to be with Jace.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Jace asked, shoveling her hands and making Emerald¡¯s mouth hang open. She looked at her sister and found her smirking. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Emerose,¡± her husband added before taking her sister¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Why are you taking her hand instead of mine?¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t help but ask. She was hurt and feeling betrayed by her husband.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you toe to be my date; I am bringing you to the party so that you¡¯ll see what I do there,¡± Jace replied, confusing Emerald. She didn¡¯t understand what she had to see there. Before she could ask, Jace and Emerose started walking to the door, so she had no choice but to follow them.


    Emerald felt a fang of pain when she saw Jace open the backseat door for her sister-something he didn¡¯t do to her when they arrived at the mansion. ¡°Sit in front,¡± Jacemanded before getting in the backseat with Emerose. Young Morgan had no choice but to get in the car. They started driving and arrived at the venue in no time.


    There was a red carpet, and Emerald started to wonder if she would be going there as well. ¡°Open the door, Emerald.¡± Jace¡¯smanding voice made her look back at him.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked. She wanted to make sure that she heard him right.


    ¡°Open the damn door!¡± Jace shouted, which startled her, so she got out of the car and did as she had been told.


    Jace got out of the car and offered his hand to Emerose, which she took happily and gave her little sister a smirk. ¡°Close the door,¡± Higginson whispered, making sure it reached his wife¡¯s ears.


    ¡®Is this the reason why he brought me with him?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. She doesn¡¯t understand what she did to her husband to deserve all the nasty things he had done to her. ¡®Why did you choose me if you will only do this to me, Jace?¡¯ she asked, looking at her husband and sister, who were walking on the red carpet while holding their hands. She was about to turn and get back in the car when the shing camera stopped her. She looked back and realized that photographers had been taking her photo. Something she didn¡¯t like, so she covered her face with her hands and got in the car immediately.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you sure you didn¡¯t want to attend that gathering?¡± the driver asked. Emerald nodded without even looking at him. Her thoughts were on her husband, whom she thought was very happy introducing her sister to everyone. Her heart clenched, thinking about how the people in the gathering would think about the two, making her tears cut down her cheeks.


    Emerald tried to hold her tears, but she was too hurt and too painful to think about her husband ignoring her, neglecting her as if she were nothing. She never dreamed of having a family because of what her sister and their mother always told her: that she was unworthy and ugly and that no one would ever love her. But after Jace chose her, she became the happiest woman on earth.


    She thought that what her sister and mother had told her wasn¡¯t true, that God had something in store for her. But everything went to waste when she came with Jace, and they lived together. Since she wasn¡¯t needed anymore, Emerald decided to leave. But before she could do that, she received a call from her husband. ¡°Where the hell are you?¡± Jace asked angrily.


    ¡°In the parking lot.¡± She answered, trying not to choke on her saliva. She didn¡¯t want her husband to know that she had been crying.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing there? Didn¡¯t I tell you that I brought you here to look at what I had been doing?¡± Jace asked again. ¡°Come here at once!¡± he shouted. Emerald sighed deeply before she opened the car door and went out. She didn¡¯t even notice their driver, who had been giving her facial tissue to wipe her face.


    There were many people at the event, and Emerald could tell that they were all wealthy and influential people in the country. She roamed her eyes around to look for Jace, and after a few minutes, she found him. He had his back on her, but she knew that it was him. It was because he loved her so much that she would be able to know her husband even if she had her eyes closed.


    She started walking towards him when he turned, and their eyes met. Emerald thought that the world had stopped spinning, and there were only her and Jace. She felt at that moment that they were meant to be. Young Morgan was about to smile, but a woman approached Jace and kissed him on the lips. It was a long and torrid kiss. She felt envious that she hadn¡¯t experienced how he kissed since he had never done that with her.


    Everyone pped, which startled Emerald. She blinked many times to prevent her tears from falling. ¡®I¡¯m in front of him. I shouldn¡¯t show him that I feel defeated,¡¯ she thought.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Jace looked around and smiled before he pulled the woman closer to him again and kissed her while his eyes were on Emerald. Young Morgan tried her best to harden her heart so she wouldn¡¯t get affected by what she was seeing. Then she thought about Emerose and started to look for her sister. ¡®She should be the one who was with him.¡¯ she thought. ¡®But isn¡¯t it better than seeing Emerose and Jace kissed instead?¡¯


    Because Jace turned his back on her, and Emerald thought she had already witnessed what her husband wanted her to see, she turned her back as well to go back to the parking lot. ¡°Little sister,¡± she heard Emerose calling her, so she stopped. ¡°I want to go to the restroom. Help me find where it is,¡± she added when they were closer.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you find it yourself?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°Do you want me to tell this to Jace?¡± Emerose asked threateningly. Young Morgan didn¡¯t want to anger her husband anymore, so she followed her sister and looked for the restroom. ¡°Get back to me when you find one,¡± Emerose said, smirking.


    Emerald went to look for a restroom. The event venue was so big that she found it hard to find one. When she thought she did, she decided to check on it. She was on her way back to Emerose when two men stopped her. She felt scared, but she tried not to show it. ¡°Look what we have here. Isn¡¯t she a beauty?¡± one of the men asked, grinning.


    ¡°Emerose said that the woman would be ugly.¡± the other man replied,


    ¡°If this woman is ugly, then there¡¯s no beautiful in this world.¡±


    ¡®It was Emerose? She nned this?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. Out of fear, the young Morgan decided to pass to them, but they didn¡¯t let her. They grabbed her by her arms and started touching her in every part of her body. She screamed and screamed, but she didn¡¯t think someone would hear her because of the noise that came from the event. Despite that, she still tried her best and kicked the men, making them lose their grip on her.


    She went to where Emerose was to confront her. ¡®There¡¯s no way I will let her ruin mepletely.¡¯ She thought furiously.


    ¡°Did you find the restroom?¡± her sister asked, smiling when she saw her approaching.


    ¡°Why, why did you do that? How could you tell those men to harm me?¡± Emerald asked. Emerose started acting confused.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Is that how much you didn¡¯t want to do me a favor? It¡¯s just a restroom.¡± her sister said, making the other people around them look at them, including Jace.


    ¡°You nned it. Those men said so.¡± Emerald said, about to grab Emerose, but her sister acted like she was being pushed and fell. Young Morgan was too stunned; she didn¡¯t think that her sister was capable of doing anything to get her in trouble.


    ¡°What is about Emerald?¡± Jace asked and approached Emerose, who was still crying on the floor. He helped her get up and red at his wife before they started walking away. As Emerose passed the stunned Emerald, she pushed her and made it appear that no one noticed that she did it purposely.


    Emerald, who was not ready and unaware, fell to the table next to her, making everything in it fall on her, including the cake. Cameras started shing again while the pitiful young Morgan covered herself with her arms as she watched her husband leave with her sister in his arms, feeling humiliated, hurt, and heartbroken.

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Here, sir,¡± Nn said before he handed Jace an envelope containing the pictures taken at the party the other night.


    ¡°You may go,¡± Jace said, leaning back on his swivel chair. Minutes had passed, but he was still looking at the envelope, wondering whether he would look at it.


    After a long thought, he stretched his arms and reached for the envelope. He opened it, and Emerald¡¯s beautiful but lonely face weed him. It was when he left her at the entrance of the event venue with Emerose. The cameraman had captured his wife¡¯s exquisite demeanor.


    Jace looked at the photos one by one, and no matter where he looked at his wife, Emerald¡¯s beauty stood out. He chose the dress, thinking she would look like an assistant. Instead, the dress became ssy and elegant on her.


    Emerose suggested that he bring her to the party. He thought about it, and just as he had nned, he kissed another woman in front of her. He saw the pain on his wife¡¯s face, which Emerald failed to hide no matter how much she tried.


    As Jace continues to look at the photos, his heart aches when he sees what Emerald looks like after he and Emerose leave her at the party. Icing from the cakes fell on her all over her body. The way she covered herself with her arms as she tried to cover herself from the shing of cameras hit him like a heavy blow to his gut. He couldn¡¯t breathe thinking how much his wife had sufferedst night, especially when he let her go home by herself.


    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Kyle asked, startling Jace. He didn¡¯t notice that his friend was already inside his office.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to knock?¡± Jace asked, annoyed.


    ¡°For your information, I did. You just didn¡¯t notice because you were too busy looking at those photos,¡± Kyle replied casually, pointing to the pictures in his hand with his lips. ¡°And you didn¡¯t answer my question: Are you happy with what you aplishedst night?¡±


    There was a long silence before Jace responded. ¡°Of course. That bitch deserves what had happened to her.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± His friend said, ¡°Anyway, how¡¯s Jack?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Jace sighed heavily after hearing that. Thest time he visited his brother, Jack was furious that he had been given another nurse to take care of him. Then he remembered that he was scheduled to go to their mansion today.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see himter.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop encouraging him to do the surgery.¡±


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s also the reason I ignore his anger now,¡± Higginson replied. Kyle is Jack¡¯s friend, and he treats him like a big brother, although he is closer to Jace since they are the same age.


    ¡°Jace,¡± Kyle called him suddenly, ¡°Do you really trust Emerose? I mean, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s a good fruit. Should she treat Emerald like how a sister treated her younger sibling? I saw how Jack to you; that¡¯s why I understand your vengeance. But for those siblings, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°The reason why Emerose was like that to Emerald is because my wife has been bad. The eldest Morgan tried to stop her younger sister from stepping on people, but she didn¡¯t want to. Emerose was crying when she told me that she only agreed to make Emerald suffer so that she could learn her lesson and not do bad things to people anymore.¡± Jace replied, ¡°And don¡¯t forget, I don¡¯t care about Emerose either. She¡¯s merely a tool for me to teach my wife a valuable life lesson. I never cared about other people before, I will never care about anyone now, and I will never care about anyone in the future. The only people that matter to me are you, Mom, Dad, and Jack. That¡¯s all. The others were just dispensable objects for me.¡± Jace added but couldn¡¯t help thinking about his wife. ¡®No, I shouldn¡¯t care about her the most.¡¯ He thought.


    ***


    ¡°Get the fuck out of here!¡± Jack shouted as he threw his food on the nurse¡¯s face. It was the scene that Jace witnessed as he entered his brother¡¯s bedroom.


    ¡°Are you really not going to eat?¡± He asked. Jack turned to look at him as if he could see.


    ¡°How often do I need to tell you that I don¡¯t need anyone to look after me?¡± Jack asked, looking furious.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just bring this to the kitchen,¡± the nurse said, interrupting them before she left.


    ¡°You can¡¯t walk, you can¡¯t see, how can you do things alone?¡± Jace replied, making his brother even furious when he screamed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you here as well. Leave me alone!¡± He shouted.


    ¡°And who do you need, Emerald? The reason why you¡¯re tied to that fucking wheelchair and living in darkness?¡± Jace asked angrily. His anger for his wife intensified whenever his brother acted like this.


    Jack was a soft-spoken person; he didn¡¯t know how to curse and was always sweet and considerate. But after the ident, he became a totally different man. Something Jace never expected that he¡¯d be.


    ¡°You have no right to say her name in this house. Leave NOW!!¡± With his arms stretched Jack shouted, trying to touch anything he could throw at his younger brother. The least he wanted to hear was the name of the woman that caused him pain.


    After a deep sigh, Jace decided to do what his brother wanted. He looked at him pitifully before turning his back and leaving his room without saying a word.


    Nick and Jessica are waiting for their youngest son in the living room. More than Jace, the couple is most affected by what happened to Jack. ¡°What are we going to do about your brother?¡± Jessica asks worriedly. She has been in pain and has been thinking about her eldest son. They¡¯ve been telling Jack to undergo surgery to bring back his eyesight and to be able to walk again. The doctor informs them they need to do it as soon as possible.


    ¡°Have you told him again about the surgery?¡± Asked Jace, and his parents replied with a nod. ¡°He still didn¡¯t want it?¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t even want anyone toe near him, Jace,¡± Jessica answered. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it. Even his nurses left him because of his unreasonable anger. I just felt relieved that Eunice decided to stay even if Jack had verbally abused her, and I know she got hurt physically whenever your brother threw things at her.¡±


    Jace believed it, and honestly, he was relieved that the nurse didn¡¯t leave and managed to stay for a month now. With the scene he witnessed earlier, he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she decided to go now. ¡°But you have to make him understand that he needs to recover. Acting that way won¡¯t do him any good. Look what kind of mess he is!¡± he eximed. Then, the nurse named Eunice passed them on her way to Jack¡¯s room.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Jace said, stopping her. ¡°Eunice, right?¡± he asked, and the nurse nodded. ¡°Have a seat.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this about, Jace?¡± Nick asked, but Jace¡¯s eyes were on the nurse.


    ¡°Do everything you can to make my brother agree to surgery. I¡¯ll give you a bonus. The sooner you make him agree, the bigger the bonus.¡± Nick and Jessica were speechless. Although they liked the idea and were okay with paying anyone who could make their son agree, they also thought it was impossible. Even they couldn¡¯t. How much more, other people? They thought.


    ¡°I will try my best, Sir,¡± Eunice replied, and then they let her go to Jack.


    Jace stayed for a couple more hours before leaving and going home. His thoughts were on his wife again and how much he wanted to make her pay, especially after seeing how miserable his brother was. His face hardened and dimmed, thinking Emerald stirred something in him other than anger, and he didn¡¯t like it. He wanted to stay resentful towards her and was resolute to feel that way, making his anger rise as he arrived at their mansion.

 Chapter 6

    It¡¯s Sunday afternoon, and Emerald is in her room trying to get some rest. She just finished doing theundry while cleaning the house, and she doesn¡¯t feel well. Jace left the other day and has note back, and she was praying that he would nevere back until she got some rest. But her prayer wasn¡¯t answered because after a few more minutes, her room door burst open, and her angry husband emerged.


    ¡°Is that what you do while I¡¯m away? Resting?¡± he asked angrily.


    ¡°I just finished theundry and cleaned the house,¡± Emerald replied in a weak voice as she got up from her bed, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Jace. He creased his forehead as he started walking closer to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re sick!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°No, I was resting briefly because I wanted to go to Nanny Lucyter.¡±


    ¡°And who the hell was that?¡± Jace asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°She¡¯s my nanny who has cared for me since childhood. She has been in the hospital for a long time, and no one has been looking after her except me.¡±


    Jace grabbed her by her arm before pulling her closer to him, ¡°Make sure that you¡¯re not seeing another man. Because if you do, I am going to hire men to gang rape you. Do you understand?¡± he said, pushing her down and turning his back to his wife.


    Emerald felt scared because of that. Even though she had no n on seeing another man, she still kept Jace¡¯s words in mind out of fear. Still on her knees, she cries in silence because that¡¯s all she can do. For her, she has no power or any means to fight her husband.


    Thinking she would never get the rest she wanted, Emerald stood up and prepared to leave. She wanted to see her nanny to check on her condition. When she got down, she found Jace in the living room with a ss of alcohol in his hand. She didn¡¯t know whether she would tell her husband or not, but thinking he would get mad at her whether she told him or not, she decided to let him know that she was going to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in the hospital for a couple of hours and will get back before dinner,¡± she said. Jace didn¡¯t bother looking at her and motioned his hand, which was holding the alcohol, to just leave. Emerald turned and left.


    In the hospital, Lucy was in her hospital bed unconscious while Emerald looked at her. The scene of her nanny getting to this situation shed in her mind.


    It was Sunday morning, and she got into the mansion after watering the nts in the garden when she heard her mother shouting and found her nanny rolling down the stairs. They sent her to the hospital, where she was taken care of. ording to the doctor, she was fine and would get better once she rested and took her medications. Emerald believed that, so she did all the household chores that her nanny had to finish to get the rest she needed.


    But after a month, she got sick, so the young Morgan asked her father to bring Lucy to the hospital again. Her mother, Merly, got mad and said it wasn¡¯t their obligation to send her nanny or give her medical attention. Because Emerald really wanted to make her nanny better, she begged and kneeled before them so they would help her.


    Emerose, being wicked, agreed, but Emerald had to do everything she said. With no other choice, young Morgan epted the condition. So, whenever her family needed something from her, they would call her and make her do something they couldn¡¯t. What Emerald has been thankful for was that they never go beyond physical and mental abuse. She¡¯s strong enough to get through all beatings and, with her eyes closed, ept all the abusive words they throw at her.


    Emerald sighed after thinking about her family and whether that¡¯s what they should be called. For her, she was not their family, and it always made her feel heartbroken. Then Jace came into her life. When he chose her, she thought it was the beginning of her new life-a life wherein someone would be there for her-someone whom she would take care of and, at the same time, would take care of her.


    Unknowingly, Emerald wipes her tears dry. Then she looks at her wristwatch and remembers that she has to go home. ¡°I am going toe back, Nanny Lu,¡± she says before she kisses her nanny¡¯s forehead.


    As the young Morgan left the hospital room, she suddenly felt dizzy and leaned on the wall with her eyes closed to give her time to stabilize herself.


    After a few minutes, she steadied herself and started walking. But before she reached the elevator, her eyesight became blurry, and dizziness struck again before she lost consciousness.


    Meanwhile, in the mansion, Jace was in his study room talking to his assistant on a video call through hisptop when his phone rang. He wanted to ignore it because it was from an unknown number, but the caller didn¡¯t stop calling. He excused himself to Nn before he pressed the answer button.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jace said. ¡®This better be important because if not, I¡¯ll make sure whoever this caller is will suffer severely.¡¯ He thought.


    ¡°Is this the husband of Ms. Emerald Morgan?¡± the caller asked, making Jace furrowed his brow. He loosened his tie in annoyance before he answered.


    ¡°What about her?¡±


    ¡°This is the nurse from Poveda Hospital, where Ms. Emerald was admitted and unconscious.¡± Jace felt worried and ended his meeting with his assistant. He didn¡¯t understand why he felt that way, didn¡¯t think about it, and rushed to the hospital.


    While Jace is on his way, Emerald regains her consciousness. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Dr. Sanders. How are you feeling?¡±


    Emerald, still thinking about where she was and what had happened, looked at the smiling doctor. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°I found you unconscious in the hallway near the elevator.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah. I suddenly felt dizzy.¡± She replied.


    ¡°So, how are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°A little better than earlier,¡± Emerald answered before her eyes widened. ¡°Am I still in the hospital? I need to go home!¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re not well yet. You had a high fever earlier, and we still don¡¯t know if you hit your head on the floor after you fell when you lost consciousness. You still need a CT.¡±


    ¡°Can we do thatter? I need to go home.¡± Emerald said in a low voice. She couldn¡¯t tell the doctor about Jace getting angry if she waste.


    ¡°Still, I have to check you first. We give you paracetamol to lower your fever.¡±


    ¡°But I need to go.¡± Emerald insisted.


    ¡°Okay, but take my card. Just in case you feel anything, give me a call,¡± the doctor replied. Emerald took the card and put it in her pocket exactly when Jace entered her hospital room.


    ¡°Jace!¡± She eximed. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Why should I not?¡± Higginson asked, looking at her and then at Dr. Sanders. He didn¡¯t like the idea of another man talking to his wife.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­¡± Emerald replied but couldn¡¯t find a word to continue.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done here, let¡¯s go,¡± Jace said, pulling her up.


    ¡°Excuse me, she¡¯s not well yet. There¡¯s some test that needs to be done,¡± Dr. Sanders said, but Jace stopped him.


    ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡± asked Jace, his eyes were on his wife.


    ¡°No, I am fine now,¡± Emerald replied with her head down. She didn¡¯t want her husband to think anything out of fear that he would punish her.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Then he turned his back. Emerald got up from her hospital bed and was about to follow her husband, but Dr. Sanders stopped them.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jace asked annoyingly.


    ¡°I am going to give Ms. Emerald a prescription. She¡¯s overfatigued and needsplete rest, so I will also give her vitamins.¡±


    ¡°Then do it now!¡± Higginson replied. He doesn¡¯t know why he hates the doctor even though he isn¡¯t doing anything. It could be because of the way Sanders looks at his wife. Jace instantly knew that he liked her.


    After giving his prescription, young Higginson took it and pulled Emerald out of the hospital. In the car, they were quiet, and young Morgan didn¡¯t know whether she would start a conversation. In the end, she decided to apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for taking your time, Jace. This will not happen again.¡±


    ¡°Shut your fucking mouth!¡± Jace shouted. He was furious; he couldn¡¯t forget the kind of smile that Dr. Doctor Sanders gave to his wife when he handed her the prescription.


    ¡®No, I am not jealous. I was pissed because another man had fallen into Emerald¡¯s charm the way Jack did. Yeah, that¡¯s all.¡¯ Jace thought.

 Chapter 7

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Emerose asked worriedly. They were in Jace¡¯s office, and she wondered why the man was not saying anything. She had been talking for quite a while, and she hadn¡¯t received any reaction from him.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about business,¡± Jace replied, annoyed. ¡°Why are you here again?¡± He asked. Young Higginson was busy thinking about his wife when his assistant Nn informed him about the woman¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°You have been married to Emerald for six months now, and she has been humiliated and has suffered severely. Are you not going to divorce her yet?¡± Emerose asked. ¡°Please don¡¯t take it the wrong way. I felt pity for her since she¡¯s my younger sister, and I think she had suffered enough.¡± She added when she saw Jace crease his forehead while ring at her. She doesn¡¯t feel pity for Emerald; she only wants to appear as if she cares about her little sister.


    ¡°I¡¯ll divorce her when I want to. No one dictates what I do,¡± Jace replied, making Emerose have her head down. She¡¯s thinking of igniting his anger so he will divorce Emerald already and continue her n of seducing him.


    They had been together often, almost all the time, because she always visited his office. But Jace never touched her intimately, even once.


    Emerose noticed that Jace was sweet to her whenever they were in front of Emerald, which she took advantage of. She knew that he was doing it to humiliate her little sister, and she was happy about it. Seeing how much suffering the young Morgan had been through in their marriage, the eldest was the happiest, thinking she was better.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just want this to end. I sometimes feel sorry for my little sister,¡± she said sadly. Jace, on the other hand, thought she was sincere and scoffed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel sorry for her because she¡¯s nothing but a slut and a whore.¡± Jace replied angrily. Emerose didn¡¯t know why young Higginson thought that way about her little sister, knowing Emerald had never been in any rtionship. She was curious where his anger came from. But the eldest Morgan shrugged her shoulders since she was the one who was taking advantage of the situation.


    Emerose liked Jace. The moment she set her eyes on the young Higginson and saw him in a magazine interview, she wanted to get close to him. But Jace was aloof, and no ordinary woman could approach him. She also knew that he had bedded many women, and she wanted to be one of them and eventually seduce him and fall in love with her. ¡°And don¡¯te here if there¡¯s nothing important. I didn¡¯t want to be disturbed during working hours, and I didn¡¯t want my employees to think you are special to me because you¡¯re not.¡± Jace added, making Emerose angry. But she hides that from him. Instead, she smiled and said,


    ¡°Just don¡¯t make my little sister suffer so much. After all, she¡¯s my family.¡± She got up from her seat and left his office. Unknown to Jace, she was furious that he didn¡¯t want to give her a chance to be close to him. But despite that, Emerose was determined to get him by hook or by crook.


    In the past six months of their marriage, Jace brings different women to their mansion. He was showing Emerald that she was nothing to him. He made sure that his wife would see his infidelity, making his wife see her unworthiness.


    ¡°What are you doing, Jace?¡± Emerald asked, ¡°You had been doing this ever since. What did I do to deserve this?¡± she added, confused and hurt.


    ¡°You dare talk to me like that? You have no right to question me, Emerald! I am not giving you any rights in this house, you get that?¡± Jace raised his hand and was about to p his wife but stopped. He had never hurt any woman physically, and seeing how his wife¡¯s eyes widened, he knew that she feared him. ¡°Never question me again, or you¡¯ll get what you deserve,¡± he added before he turned his back to her and went to the living room, where the woman he brought was waiting before they went to his bedroom.


    Emerald is very hurt because of what her husband is doing, but she knows in herself that there is nothing she can do about it. For the past few months, she has been asking him for help with her nanny¡¯s medication because her father doesn¡¯t want to give her money anymore. Since she had no one to turn to, she tried to go to Jace, which surprised her because he agreed immediately. Now, she realized why. That is so that she has nothing else to do but follow everything he wants. She was left in the kitchen in tears, thinking she couldn¡¯t stop Jace from what he was doing in his bedroom.


    As Jace wanted, she gave her husband a blowjob every morning. She knew he liked it and was ready to do everything for her husband because she loved him. But Emerald can¡¯t help but feel sorry for herself because she feels she is a low-ss woman because of how her husband treats her. She couldn¡¯t think of any reason for Jace to do that to her, especially since they hadn¡¯t met in person except when he went to their mansion and chose her as his wife.


    The next day, Emerald was scheduled to go to the grocery store. After buying everything she needed, she went to a cafe nearby and met Dr. Sanders. They became good friends and often met whenever she left their mansion. With him, she could be who she really was-a funny and gullible person. ¡°Emerald, I hope you don¡¯t mind my asking.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Young Morgan said, encouraging the doctor to ask her anything.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to school and earn a degree? Just by looking, I know that you¡¯re smart.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°I already graduated.¡± Dr. Sanders was shocked with her reply.


    ¡°Then why are you letting your husband do that to you? I mean, he¡¯s taking you for granted and might be worse.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s supporting my nanny¡¯s medication.¡±


    ¡°You can do it if you have a job.¡±


    ¡°Jace didn¡¯t want me to work. And I¡¯m still hoping that one day, he would realize that he was wrong and eventually love me if he knew me better.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re hoping for a miracle.¡± Dr. Sanders replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to offend you, but that¡¯s how I see your situation. Your husband does everything he wants while you devote yourself to him, but he doesn¡¯t appreciate it.¡± The doctor had been falling for Emerald without him knowing. At first, he thought he only wanted to be friends with her. But as their friendship grows, his feelings for her grow as well. Something he couldn¡¯t stop and was unwilling to stop either.


    Dr. Sanders saw Emerald as the most elegant and decent woman. She was shy and naive. The doctor thinks that she doesn¡¯t even know that she is beautiful, making him wonder whether she sees it or not. Thinking Jace was a womanizer, Dr. Sanders felt that he should be able to appreciate Emerald¡¯s beauty.


    The two continued chatting, unaware of the eyes that were watching them. With a wicked smile, Emerose took out her phone and took their pictures. She feels victorious that Jace would finally divorce her little sister with the evidence that she would be showing him. ¡®Let¡¯s see what will happen to you, little sister.¡¯ she thought and gave the two onest look before she went to her car and drove away.

 Chapter 8

    Emerald went straight to the kitchen as soon as she arrived. She sorted the groceries before preparing Jace¡¯s dinner, or he would get mad at her, thinking she was resting again.


    Dr. Sanders had been Emerald¡¯s ally andpanion. She likes seeing him but not for anything else. She¡¯s just happy thinking there¡¯s someone who is concerned about her. He is good-looking, but for the young Morgan, Jace is the only attractive man she has ever seen in her life. She remembers the first time she set her eyes on young Higginson.


    She was in her bedroom, using her sister¡¯s oldptop to talk to her online friend Creep about thetest technology trends.


    ¡°Did you know that SoftWare Group hasunched a new software?¡± Asked Creep.


    ¡°Really? They¡¯re the leading softwarepany now. I don¡¯t think their rival would be able to defeat them.¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°Have you seen their CEO?¡± He asked, making the young Morgan curious.


    ¡°No, do I need to?¡±


    ¡°Many women say he¡¯s handsome and go crazy for him.¡±


    ¡°Why are you jealous?¡± Emerald asked her friend,ughing.


    ¡°What? Of course not! I don¡¯t need to be surrounded by women.¡±


    Emeraldughed before she replied. ¡°If you say so.¡±


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t want to believe me, fine. Anyway, I need to go. My girlfriend asked me to do something.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Next time, make sure to introduce me to her, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, bye,¡± Creep replied and ended their call.


    After their conversation, Emerald became curious about what the CEO of SoftWare Group looked like, so she decided to look into thepany profile.


    She¡¯s not into good-looking men because she thinks she¡¯s not beautiful. She believes her sister¡¯s words, which is why she has low self-esteem. But when she saw Jace¡¯s picture, she couldn¡¯t help but feel the attraction she had never felt towards any man before.


    Jace¡¯s serious face was in the photo, but Emerald found him even more attractive. Since then, she has looked into every online news story Jace Higginson has been in and admired him. She sometimes dreams that he will knock on their door and ask for her hands in marriage. This happened, but she didn¡¯t expect to be treated as he treats her now.


    The sound of the rice cooker put her back in a trance. She likes rice, so she has it with her meals. Emerald looked at the clock and realized that Jace would be home soon, so she cooked as fast as she could. ¡®Thankfully, the meat I bought earlier was tender, so I don¡¯t have a hard time cooking this steak, ¡® she thought as she put the lid on the pan. She only needed to cook it medium rare, the way Jace liked it.


    ¡°You¡¯re just setting the table?¡± Jace voice echoes in the dining area, making Emerald startled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m a bitte,¡± she replied, pulling the chair for him to sit on.


    ¡°Why?¡± Jace asked, making the young Morgan feel confused. ¡°Why are youte? Did you go somewhere while I was out?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°I went to the grocery store so I can visit Nanny Lucy tomorrow,¡± she quickly replied. She didn¡¯t want him to know that she waste because she didn¡¯t notice the time when she was talking to the doctor. She knew that her husband would get angry, so she had to hide her friendship with Dr. Sanders.


    Jace looked at Emerald intently. He wanted to make sure that she was telling the truth, as he didn¡¯t like the idea of her talking or entertaining another man. Young Higginson sat on the chair while his wife started to fill his te with food and started eating.


    Every day, Emerald has to do that. She had to serve her husband no matter what. She doesn¡¯tin and would be happy about it if not for the treatment she receives from him, especially when Jace brings women to their mansion that hurt her the most.


    But for her nanny Lucy, she was willing to do anything. Since Jace gave her money for the hospital bill, she will do everything to please him. Emerald decides to hold on to her feelings for her husband, who doesn¡¯t care about her.


    Young Morgan went to her nanny the following day, just as he told Jace. This time, she asked her husband if she could stay longer since it was Lucy¡¯s birthday.


    ¡°Hi, nanny! How are you today?¡± Emerald said as she entered the hospital room. She appeared full of life even though Lucy couldn¡¯t see or hear her. She was still unconscious, and the doctor couldn¡¯t tell her the exact reason why she was not getting better.


    Emerald pulled a chair closer to the hospital bed and sat. ¡°Happy birthday, nanny.¡± She greeted Lucy and kissed her hand. I hope that you¡¯ll get better soon. I will ask my husband to let you live with us, and we will be very happy together. Do you like that?¡± She continued.


    During Lucy¡¯s hospital stay, Emerald never lost hope that her nanny would get better. She believes that, through her continued prayer, God will eventually hear and answer her.


    Dr. Sanders also went to see Lucy, which made Emerald happy because someone other than her remembered her nanny¡¯s special day. The doctor brought a small cake, which they shared after young Morgan made a wish on behalf of her nanny.


    ¡°You look happy,¡± Dr. Sandersmented.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I am happy,¡± Emerald replied. ¡°And I¡¯m sure if my nanny is awake, she will be very happy, too. Normally, we celebrate her or my birthday together. But now, you¡¯ve be an addition to our family of two.¡± She continued with a bitter smile on her face.


    ¡°From now on, I will be with you on every asion in your life.¡± Dr. Sanders replied. Emerald looked at him and, with a hesitant smile, she replied,


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to burden anyone with me and nanny. But hearing what you just said gives mefort.¡±


    Dr. Sanders smiled at her before taking her hands. ¡°We are friends, and friendsfort each other.¡±


    With teary eyes, Emerald smiled at the doctor. She promised herself she would do everything for him if he ever needed her help.


    Feeling happy and content, Emerald went home. Her friendship with Dr. Sanders gave her another reason to endure the hardship she was facing.


    As soon as young Morgan entered their mansion, her eyesnded on Jace sitting on one of the couches in the living room. Hesitantly, she approached him to make her presence known to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± she said with her head down. She was notte, so she wondered why her husband looked angry. He was ring at her as if she had done something bad.


    ¡°From where?¡± Jace asked before picking up the ss of liquor on the center table and drinking it bottoms up.


    ¡°Hospital, I told you about it yesterday,¡± Emerald replied, trying to avoid Jace¡¯s re, which he didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Jace shouted, making Emerals startle and looked at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I really came from the hospital,¡± she answered abruptly. She didn¡¯t want her husband to get mad at her because she didn¡¯t want to hear him say words that she knew would hurt her feelings.


    ¡°Who were you with yesterday?¡± Jace asked as he got up from the couch and approached her. Emerald was fearful, thinking about what she would answer him. ¡°What? You can¡¯t answer? You can¡¯t deny you were with your lover yesterday; that¡¯s why you¡¯rete preparing my dinner?¡± Jace continued and grabbed young Morgan by her neck.


    Emerald holds on to her husband¡¯s hand and taps it as she starts to feel difficulty breathing. ¡°Jace..¡± She said, almost out of breath, making her husband let go of her and start coughing while holding her neck.


    Jace made her look at him and said angrily, ¡°I will make sure to teach that doctor a lesson.¡± Emerald¡¯s eyes widen in fear for Dr. Sanders¡¯ safety.


    ¡°No, Jace.. He is nothing to me. I felt hungry after buying groceries, so I decided to eat in a cafe and identally met him there.¡±


    ¡°So you didn¡¯t want anything to happen to your lover?¡± Jace asked angrily.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that. He¡¯s not my lover. I don¡¯t like him; I only like you. I only love you, Jace; please believe me.¡±


    Jace chuckled after he heard her. ¡°Love me? Is that how easy it is for you to say those words? How many men have you loved now, huh?¡±


    ¡°I only love you, Jace. You¡¯re the first and only man I ever love. I have never felt anything like this to anyone but you.¡± Emerald replied, crying. But Jace pulled her by her arm before holding her again on her neck and said,


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to love, bitch. Look at yourself; you are pathetic and ugly. Do you honestly think I will feel the same because you said you love me?¡± Emerald¡¯s tears streamed down her cheeks, and her husband¡¯s words deeply hurt her.

 Chapter 9

    ¡°Idiot! I am an idiot if I were to believe her!¡± Jace shouted as he threw everything on his office table. After confronting Emerald the other night, he went to work in the morning feeling angry.


    Emerose showed him his wife¡¯s photo, looking happy with the doctor in a cafe. He didn¡¯t know when it was taken, but ording to the eldest Morgan, she was passing by and happened to see it, so she took their photo.


    Emerald¡¯s telling him she loved him and only him made him feel ufortable, making him believe her. Jace tried his best not to show it because he wanted his wife to suffer and not to be loved by him.


    ¡°Hey, man¨C¡± Kyle said as soon as he entered Jace¡¯s office. ¡°What happened?¡± He asked as he roamed his eyes and found his friend sitting on a chair.


    ¡°Get out, Kyle,¡± Jace repliedzily, but his friend didn¡¯t listen. He walked closer to him, took a chair he could sit on, and faced him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kyle asked worriedly. ¡°You¡¯re not going to do something like this-¡± he said, looking around before he continued, ¡°if nothing had happened.¡±


    With that, Jace opened his table¡¯s drawer, took the photo Emerose had handed him the other day, and gave it to his friend. Kyle took it and had a look. ¡°You¡¯re thinking that your wife is cheating on you because of this photo?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I am not thinking; she is cheating on me!¡± Jace eximed, making Kyle shake his head. He had been warning young Higginson to stop the revenge he was doing. He knew that it would not do him any good, especially when he noticed that he had been affected by Emerald¡¯s presence. He knew that somehow, Jace felt something toward his wife but didn¡¯t want to acknowledge it because of his anger.


    Kyle saw Emerald and thought she looked innocent and naive. He couldn¡¯t believe that young Morgan was capable of doing what Jace had told him she did to Jack, but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it. As far as he could remember, he, too, read Emerald Morgan¡¯s name on a piece of paper in Jack¡¯s room. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything to the doctor, right?¡± Kyle asked worriedly. He didn¡¯t want his friend to do something he might regret.


    ¡°You think I won¡¯t?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°This picture doesn¡¯t look like they have a rtionship. Look closer, and you will see that they were just having a casual conversation. Your wife seemed to be happy, yes, but who wouldn¡¯t? She had been suffering from you, and having a friend could lighten her burden.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling me that she chose to go to that man¨C¡±


    ¡°I am saying that your wife must be tired and want a breather,¡± Kyle said, stopping him from whatever he was about to say. He didn¡¯t want to add fuel to the fire, just like Emerose did.


    ¡°Emerose was worried that that doctor might take advantage of Emerald. She was worried that something might happen to her younger sister. That¡¯s why she decided to show those pictures to me.¡± Jace said, making Kyle shake his head. He doesn¡¯t know when his friend started to be an idiot because no matter where he looks at it, he can¡¯t find concern or sincerity in the eldest Morgan.


    ¡°You need to think things through, Jace.¡±


    ¡°Are you my friend or what?¡±


    ¡°I am your friend; that¡¯s why I am reminding you that what you are doing to your wife is wrong.¡±


    ¡°And what about what she did to my brother? Do you think it was right?¡± Jace asked angrily. He couldn¡¯t believe that his friend was siding with his wife. He thought he understood.


    ¡°I was only reminding you. Vengeance will not do you any good. We should focus on how we are going to persuade your brother to undergo surgery.¡± Kyle said, hoping his friend would understand.


    ¡°Just leave me alone if you have nothing good to say.¡± Jace dismissed him. Kyle left his office, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Jace was left alone, his thoughts still on his wife. He remembered how Emerald looked when he almost choked her the other night out of anger. He was angry because she lied about being with the doctor when he had proof that she was with Dr. Sanders. He didn¡¯t like the idea of his wife being with some guy because he felt something towards the young Morgan the moment he saw her. He remember the day he first saw her.


    Even though she wore baggy clothes, he couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off Emerald. She had her head down, hiding her face all the time. But Jace¡¯s anger rose after knowing she was the same woman who had hurt his brother. Young Higginson sighed and took his phone before he dialed a number. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± the man answered.


    ¡°Keep tabs on my wife. I want to know where she goes and who she meets or is with every time she leaves the mansion,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Copy, sir.¡± the man replied.


    Being wealthy, Jace has his security. He has guards, and his right-hand man, Enzo, also drives for him. Young Higginson trusts his right-hand man with everything regarding non-business orpany-rted issues.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was in the mansion doing her daily chores. Since she knew that her husband would not be home until dinner, she found time to talk to her online friend and keep up with thetest online games. She loves to develop apps and online games and wants to have her ownpany in the future.


    But she started to wonder whether she would be able to aplish that since she was in a situation where she thought she would never get out. She knew she loved Jace and wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. But because of the constant torment that her husband and family were giving her, the love that she had for them was slowly fading.


    ¡°How are you, M?¡± Creep, her friend, asked.


    ¡°Fine, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You guess?¡± he asked. Then Emerald started telling him about what was going on in her life. She didn¡¯t want to involve anyone but wanted to release some of her sorrow. She knew her friend wouldn¡¯t be able to help, but knowing he was there to listen was enough for her to calm herself and face another day. ¡°If you wanted to leave and didn¡¯t want to be found, just tell me, and I will help you,¡± said Creep before they ended their conversation. Emerald didn¡¯t know why she made a mental note to remember what he said.


    Deep inside, young Morgan knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to leave Jace unless her nanny got better. But judging Lucy¡¯s current condition, Emerald wondered if that would ever happen. She knew she loved her husband so much, but she didn¡¯t know either until when she could take the pain he was giving her.


    All her life, Emerald never wanted to have a normal family life. A family she will take care of and love and vice versa. She was tired of the unrequited love everyone was giving her, and if she were not afraid of God, she would have taken her own life.


    Months had passed, and it was her birthday. She was excited, thinking she had a husband whom she could share it with. But when she remembered how Jace was treating her, her heart sank in disappointment. Still, she looked forward to the day, hoping her husband would be nice to her, even for a day. Hoping against hope, young Morgan looked forward to it, unaware of the pain that would wee her.

 Chapter 10

    Emerald woke up early because it was her special day. She was looking forward to this day, hoping Jace would know about it. Young Morgan went downstairs excitedly and started her daily routine in the kitchen. She cooked their breakfast, making sure that her husband would like it.


    ¡®Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me¡­ Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday, to me.¡¯ She sang internally while cooking.


    ¡°Jace, it¡¯s my birthday. Can I have the honor of having breakfast with you?¡± She asked, practicing the words she would tell her husband.


    She set the table and waited for Jace toe down. Emerald didn¡¯t know what time her husband arrived the other night. She waited for him to ask permission to see her nanny, Lucy, until she fell asleep.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Emerald greeted Jace as soon as she saw him wearing only his bathrobe. For her, he was so handsome and very manly, one of the reasons why she liked him. Young Morgan smiled brightly but faded when she saw a woman emerge behind her husband, also wearing a bathrobe. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, Jace?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why did you bring a woman here again?¡± She asked.


    ¡°So?¡± Jace asked and looked at the woman smiling at Emerald mockingly. ¡°Good, there are tes for two. Sit down, babe.¡± Young Higginson added, and the woman followed him.


    ¡°No!¡± Emerald eximed, not knowing where she got the courage. ¡°I prepared two tes to share breakfast with you,¡± she said hesitantly in a low voice, making Jace chuckle.


    ¡°When did I ever let you eat with me, bitch?¡± He asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s my birthday, Jace,¡± she replied, hoping he would let her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Jace shouted, making Emerald fearful. She didn¡¯t want to anger her husband because she didn¡¯t want to suffer the consequences. ¡°Sit now, babe.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, babe.¡± The woman replied sweetly. Emerald was about to leave when Jace stopped her.


    ¡°You stand there and wait for us. Serve us with what we need.¡± Emerald¡¯s eyes widened, and said,


    ¡°I am not going to serve you and your mistress!¡± she eximed, angering Jace. He got up and held her by her neck before he replied.


    ¡°She¡¯s not my mistress; she¡¯s the woman I love. It just happens that I chose to marry you.¡± Emerald was so hurt. She didn¡¯t know that after all that Jace had done to her, he could still hurt her more. She looked at the woman and found her smirking and raising a brow.


    Jace let go of her, coughing. As she looked at the mistresses, young Morgan thought for a moment when she found the woman familiar. She thought she had seen her somewhere, but she couldn¡¯t remember.


    Jace and the woman started eating while Emerald watched them. ¡°I¡¯m so thirsty. Can I get an orange juice?¡± the woman told Jace, who looked at his wife.


    Emerald turned and went to the kitchen to make orange juice. She handed the ss to the woman, who was so evil that she let the ss slip on her hand, causing it to fall on young Morgan¡¯s foot and break.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you do your job properly?¡± Jace asked angrily. He got up and pulled Emerald, who was in physical pain because of the ss.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¨C¡± She tried to exin, but Jace stopped her.


    ¡°Clean that up.¡± He said before he looked at the woman. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about it, babe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay; no harm done,¡± the woman replied sweetly, smiling at Jace before she kissed him on the lips, which young Higginson responded to.


    Emerald, who was cleaning the floor, was in so much agony, and her heart clenched, seeing how her husband was kissing another woman. She decided to leave when she thought they had been doing it for a long, but Jace stopped her. ¡°I said, stay!¡± He warned without looking at her. ¡°If you ever leave, I am going to stop your nanny¡¯s medication.¡± He added.


    With a broken heart, Emerald watched her husband and his mistress. It didn¡¯t end there because they had nothing under their robe; Jace had the womany down on the table and fuck her.


    Tears streamed down Emerald¡¯s face, but she couldn¡¯t do anything about it. She felt like she was dying, but thinking about her nanny made her hold on. ¡°Ohh.. Babe, faster¡­¡± The woman moaned while young Morgan tried not to hear it. It was enough for her to see them, and being able to hear how much they liked what they were doing made her tremble in anger and, most especially, in pain.


    Emerald felt like the world was on her shoulder and a million soldiers pierced her with their swords. Her heart was broken into pieces, and she wished the ground to swallow her whole.


    ¡®Why do I need to suffer like this? Why can¡¯t he just divorce me if he doesn¡¯t want me? Why did he marry me in the first ce if he would only do this to me? What did I do to deserve all of this?¡¯ She asked herself.


    All day, on her birthday, Emerald watched her husband¡¯s infidelity while she served them. The woman stayed in the mansion until the afternoon before Jace sent her home.


    Young Morgan, who was shattered and broken, sobbed and alone in her bedroom. Tears continuously flowed down her cheeks. Her body was numb, feeling helpless. Lucy¡¯s condition was the only thing that made her hold on to her dear life. She didn¡¯t want to leave her nanny in her condition since she was the only one who cared for her.


    With a heavy heart, she walked to her bed and took theptop she had hidden under. She didn¡¯t know why she had to hide it from her husband in the beginning, but after what happened earlier, she realized she had made the right decision.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re supposed to be happy since it¡¯s your special day, ¡± her friend said worriedly.


    ¡°Creep, I want to leave, but I want to make sure about my nanny¡¯s condition first,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°You can count on me. Just tell me what you need.¡± Emerald started telling him about her n.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Meanwhile, Jace sent the woman to her house. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you still feel the same, Jace,¡± she said when he stopped the car in front of the closed gate.


    ¡°Forget about it, Esther,¡± Jace replied, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He knew how hurt his wife was. He saw it with his eyes and felt that it was enough suffering for her. He knew that it was Emerald¡¯s birthday, so he brought the woman home.


    He felt guilty when his wife told him that she wanted to have breakfast with him, and he wanted that, too. Ever since they were married, they had never had a meal together. He always made her watch and serve him and was determined to get his revenge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you used me in front of that bitch!¡± Esther eximed because she didn¡¯t like what Jace said.


    ¡°Get out of the fucking car, now!¡± Jace shouted, making Esther tremble in fear. She didn¡¯t want to anger him because she wanted him back. They were former lovers, and she was the only woman that Jace had slept with more than once. They¡¯ve been together for a year, but he caught her with another man, causing them to break up.


    Esther changed her tactics and said in a sweet voice while she caressed his crotch. Earlier, in Jace¡¯s mansion, she remembered how hard he was when he was fucking her. She thought it was because he wanted her so much, but unknown to her, Jace was looking at Emerald, fantasizing about her. ¡°Come on, babe. I want you again.¡±


    Jace looked at her disgustingly as he shoved her hands on his crotch. ¡°Get the fuck out of my car!¡± He shouted in Esther¡¯s face, who quickly opened the door and got out of the car before he drove away. Feeling furious and, at the same time, hurt for his wife, Jace went to Kyle and spent the rest of the night with his friend, unaware of Emerald¡¯s n.

 Chapter 11

    After that incident, Jace noticed that Emerald had changed. Her stoic face and lifeless aura reced the warm greetings she would always give him in the morning for breakfast. Like now, he went to the dining hall for dinner and sat down while his wife ced the food on the table. She wasn¡¯t looking or talking to him, which annoyed him.


    ¡°Get me my water,¡± he said, which Emerald did quickly. She ced a ss on the table before she poured some water. Jace drank from it, but ¡°Fuck! It¡¯s so cold!¡± he eximed, ring at her. Young Morgan ignores him but returns to the kitchen for another pitcher of warm water and ss. Young Higginson continued eating and left the dining room while his wife cleaned.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    In his bedroom, Jace wondered why his wife acted like that. ¡®Did she already give up?¡¯ he asked himself. ¡®She should be suffering so much now. Next time, I will make sure to hurt her even more. She said she loved me, right? Then, I am going to show her how much pain it will cause her when I, her husband whom she imed she loved, divorce her. To make the scene more dramatic, I will invite my parents and Jack, who still had no idea I had been married for almost a year. Let¡¯s see what you will do or say when you see my brother. The man you cheated on and left because you thought he was poor.¡¯ he added.


    With that in mind, Jace couldn¡¯t sleep. In the middle of the night, he thought about his wife again. He hated to admit it, but he wanted her and couldn¡¯t let himself be drawn to her. He wanted her, but he hated her more. Even if it was like that, young Higginson got up from his bed and bathed before going to his wife¡¯s room.


    He turned the knob and sighed in relief when he found out that it wasn¡¯t locked like always. ¡®Are you thinking that I mighte to you like this and fulfill my duty as your husband?¡¯ he thought. He looked at Emerald, who was in a deep sleep, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel the need to touch her. Slowly, he kneeled beside her bed and stared at his wife¡¯s beautiful face. His hand started to move and touched her cheeks, making him close his eyes because he felt how smooth his wife¡¯s skin was.


    ¡°Uhmm..¡± Emerald moaned when Jace let his fingers y on her cheeks.


    ¡®You¡¯re really beautiful, my wife,¡¯ he thought. He wanted to say it loud but feared his wife would wake up. But little did he know that Emerald was so exhausted that whatever he did to her, she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop him.


    Jace was startled when Emerald suddenly moved and changed her position. She turned her back to him, making theforter go out of ce, exposing her legs as she was only wearing short and flowy shorts. Young Higginson swallowed hard. He felt his throat dry as he stared at the smooth flesh before him. His hand moved and felt her, making him curse, ¡®fuck! You¡¯re so smooth. I never thought you¡¯d be like this. Although I already had my eyes on you, even on your baggy clothes, I think I know now why Jack had gone crazy for you.¡¯


    After that thought, Jace decided to leave the room. He stopped himself from taking his wife and thought about the revenge he had nned. ¡®I had to be patient, it will end, and I will make her pay. I will avenge my brother soon.¡¯ All the time that they were married, he had wanted to make love to her. But the thought of his brother being cheated on and betrayed by Emerald makes him stop himself and go with another woman instead.


    He went back to his room andy down. ¡®Why did I have to feel this for you, Emerald? Why do you have to treat my brother that way?¡¯ Until he fell asleep, those were the words that he repeatedly asked himself.


    Jace didn¡¯t have breakfast the following day and went straight to his office. He had a meeting with the bank personnel and didn¡¯t want to bete. He didn¡¯t see Emerald either, and he thought she was always busy in the kitchen.


    Meanwhile, Emerald went to the hospital to see her nanny. She tried to look for money for days but couldn¡¯t find it. She ns on leaving Jace, but it won¡¯t happen until she secures Lucy.


    After ensuring that Lucy was fine, Emerald went to see her father. ¡°Dad,¡± She greeted as soon as she entered his office.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Emerson Morgan asked angrily. Emerald felt hurt; whenever she approached her father, he would yell or shout at her, making her decide not to ask for anything from him. But she had to swallow her pride for Lucy.


    ¡°Since thepany is doing well, I want to ask you for money.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? What money are you talking about? What made you think I would give it to you just like that?¡±


    ¡°Please, Dad. My nanny needs it. I promise to pay you when I start earning.¡±


    ¡°When would that be? As far as I know, Jace wanted you to just clean your house. You will never have a chance to earn for yourself, so you better leave my sight now!¡± Emerson replied angrily. ¡°You won¡¯t get a penny from me. I don¡¯t even care about you. What made you think that I would care about your nanny? Both of you mean nothing to me, so I don¡¯t care whether she dies or rots in hell.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s anger toward Emerson arises. She never thought that her father would be able to say such a thing. ¡®Just who am I to him?¡¯ she asks herself as she turns her back and leaves his office.


    With her heart broken, she started walking without thinking where she was heading. All she cared about was her nanny, and after talking to her father, she realized she was never part of their family. While tears streamed down her cheeks, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡®What did I do to deserve this Lord God? Have I done something that is not to your liking? I never stepped on someone and even loved my family, who had never loved me back. What is it that I amcking to deserve love?¡¯ She thought before wiping away her tears.


    On her way, she thought of Dr. Sanders and decided to go and meet him. She will try to ask for his help and hope he will agree.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± The doctor said after seeing her enter his office.


    ¡°Dr. Sanders,¡± Young Morgan replied as she walked closer to the doctor, who motioned to the chair in front of his table.


    ¡°Is there a problem? Why did you cry?¡± Sanders asked worriedly. With her head down, Emerald replied after she took her seat.


    ¡°I need your help.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± He replied.


    ¡°I nned on divorcing my husband, but I won¡¯t be able to do it if I am not going to secure the nanny¡¯s health. For now, my husband took care of her bills, and I¡¯m afraid that once we are divorced, he¡¯ll stop supporting her.¡±


    ¡°You can find a job after your divorce,¡± Dr. Sanders replied. Don¡¯t get me wrong; of course, I am going to help you.¡±


    ¡°I n on leaving and never show up in front of him. Once I settle myself, I will be back for my nanny.¡±


    Dr. Sanders nodded and understood Emerald. He was waiting for her to decide on divorce because he had liked young Morgan the first time he saw her. ¡°Rest assured that I am going to take care of her while you¡¯re away,¡± he replied.


    Feeling thankful, Emerald got up and shook hands with the doctor. Now, she felt relieved that someone would take care of Lucy and prepare for the divorce. She thought everything was going smoothly ording to her n. She was unaware of an unexpected event that would worry her.

 Chapter 12

    ¡°Jace, you look happy,¡± Kylemented.


    ¡°Of course, Jack can see now. Thanks to Eunice, who persuaded him to undergo surgery months ago. Mom said they¡¯ll be in the hospital next week for a check-up just to make sure that everything is okay.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s really good news.¡± Kyle replied, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about his surgery? I should have visited him.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want anyone to know, fearing that he might disappoint us. He was worried the surgery wouldn¡¯t be a sess.¡±


    ¡°And yet it was.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Jace replied happily.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t have to continue your revenge, right? Jack is okay now, and you are already married to Emerald. I don¡¯t see any reason for you to continuously hurt her.¡± Jace couldn¡¯t talk. He was thinking about whether it was possible. Although he knew he felt something towards his wife, now that his brother could see, he was worried that his brother might get mad at him if Jack found out he married his ex.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Young Higginson replied, ¡°Since Jack is finally okay, I think I have to give Emerald the final blow.¡± He added.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyle asked, confused. For him, revenge is not necessary anymore. He also felt that his friend had feelings for Emerald; he just didn¡¯t want to admit it.


    ¡°I will have them face together and then divorce on our wedding anniversary.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cruel,¡± Kyle replied. He met Emerald several times, and she was nice and kind. He couldn¡¯t see the kind of person Jace was seeing her.


    ¡°She was cruel to Jack as well. At least I didn¡¯t throw her in the road that will cause her to tie on a wheelchair and lose her eyesight, just like what happened to Jack.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t say anymore because he knew that no matter how much he tried to reason with Jace, he would never listen to him.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was in the hospital to visit her nanny. Although hurt, she ensures that she looks happy, so she doesn¡¯t need to worry about Dr. Sanders or Lucy.


    As she entered the hospital, she went straight to the elevator and identally bumped into a man pushing a wheelchair. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said with her head down.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± the man replied. He continued pushing the wheelchair out of the hospital while Emerald walked to the elevator.


    ¡°Nanny!¡± She greeted happily as soon as she opened the hospital room. But to her surprise, there was no one on the bed. ¡°Nanny?¡± she called and went to the bathroom to check if Lucy was there. Although she knew that she was in aa and not capable of walking, she still hoped that it was the case.


    With a worried heart, she went to the nurse station and asked, ¡°Does my nanny go to aboratory or something? She¡¯s not in her room.¡±


    ¡°Which room, Miss?¡± the nurse replied, asking.


    ¡°Room 605.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Ms. Lucy. No, she was supposed to be there.¡± the nurse replied and started to walk to the room.


    ¡°She¡¯s not here; tell me where she is,¡± Emerald said worriedly.


    ¡°She was just here; I even gave her medicine a while ago.¡± The nurse replied, scared.


    ¡®No, where are you, nanny?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. The nurse reported the incident to their security and even checked the CCTV. Still, they didn¡¯t see anyone entering and leaving the room.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± Dr. Sanders called her. As soon as he heard about what had happened, he went to see her.


    ¡°Dr. Sanders,¡± Emerald said, crying as she rushed and hugged him. Nanny is missing, and I had no idea where and how she was.


    ¡°Shh.. Don¡¯t worry, we will find her.¡± the doctor said while gently tapping her back.


    Emerald went home thinking and worrying about her nanny. She couldn¡¯t think of anyone who would take her. As far as she knew, Lucy had no family. She was an orphan, so she devoted herself to caring for Emerald.


    While in the kitchen, Emerald couldn¡¯t get her nanny off her mind. ¡®Does Jace decide to take her out of the hospital? Why would he do that?¡¯ she asked herself. ¡®No, he will never do that. When I asked him about the medical bills, he ensured he wouldn¡¯t stop unless I made him angry. I never did anything wrong, so there¡¯s no reason for him to hurt my nanny.¡¯


    Emerald thought Jace didn¡¯t need to take Lucy out of the hospital if he didn¡¯t want to pay his bills. All he had to do was stop paying, and it¡¯s done. ¡®No, he¡¯s not the one behind it. Could it be?¡¯


    With that thought, she rushed out of the mansion and went to her parents. ¡®They are the only ones who would do such a thing since they didn¡¯t like my nanny.¡¯


    When Emerald arrived, Emerson and his family were in the living room, and she was shocked to see Jace there. ¡°Why are you here?¡± her father asked.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my nanny?¡± she asked, looking straight into her father¡¯s eyes, ignoring the look her husband was giving her. She had no time for him because what was important for her was to find her nanny.


    ¡°How would I know where she was? Isn¡¯t she in the hospital?¡± Merly asked angrily.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, please stop being so angry with Emerald. You know how much she loves Lucy.¡± Emerose told their parents as though she was concerned for her little sister. But deep inside, she wanted her parents to say more. ¡°Little sister, have a seat and tell me what happened. What¡¯s wrong with Lucy?¡± she asked in a worried tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you care, Emerose. I know you nned this-you, Dad, and Mom. You didn¡¯t like my nanny, so you did what you did.¡± Emerald replied angrily, making Emerose take the chance to act hurt.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t get mad at me, Emerald. I just want to try and help.¡±


    ¡°Tell me where my nanny is; only then will I believe you want to help.¡±


    ¡°But we have no idea about where she is. Who knows, maybe she left with another man. Thest time I saw her was when she met two men. She even introduces you to them.¡± Emerose replied, but young Morgan had no idea what she was talking about. Emerald doesn¡¯t remember the time when Lucy introduced her to anyone. Like her, her nanny is not the kind of person who would talk to anyone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. Just tell me where you hide my nanny,¡± Emerald asked hysterically, trembling in anger. Still, Emerose acted like she had nothing to do with anything.


    ¡°Shut up, Emerald. We don¡¯t have any idea about what you are talking about. I already told you that I don¡¯t care about you or your nanny; why would I waste my time taking her out of the hospital and bringing her somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Dad, please. Nanny is all I have.¡± Emerald begs, crying.


    Jace was just listening to them, and his heart ached for his wife¡¯s appearance. But he hardened his heart and got up from his seat. ¡°Leave now, Emerald. Don¡¯t embarrass me here.¡±


    ¡°No, they did something to my nanny. She won¡¯t be able to leave the hospital because she is still unconscious, and she will never leave me without a word.¡± Emerald replied, having her head down. Then she thought of something, making her look at her husband. ¡°Are you the one responsible for her disappearance? Is it because you¡¯re spending too much on her? Please give her back to me, and I am going to pay no matter how much you paid for her medical bills.¡± she added, pleading.


    ¡°Stop it, Emerald!¡± Jace shouted. ¡°Have you gone crazy? What will it do to me if I do that? Just go home now!¡±


    Young Morgan felt depressed. She felt like the world was against her for taking the only person who cared and loved her away. With slumped shoulders, she turned her back towards the door but remembered something, ¡°Are you not going to go home with me?¡± she asked,


    ¡°Why would I want to be in the same car as you?¡± Jace asked with a stoic face. Although he wanted to carry his wife away from the Morgan mansion, he sumbed to his feelings and hurt her even more when he let Emerose cling her arms around his, saying,


    ¡°Jace, don¡¯t be like that to my little sister. She¡¯s vulnerable because of her missing nanny.¡± That scene made Emerald decide to continue her n. Although she needed to look for her nanny, she thought she¡¯d do that once she was ready and capable. She knew she would never stop looking for Lucy until she found her.


    With a heavy heart, young Morgan turned her back again and started walking out of their mansion.

 Chapter 13

    Distraught. That¡¯s how Emerald felt as she continued searching for her nanny. She didn¡¯t want to stop looking for Lucy and dyed her n to leave her husband. In the mansion, she fulfilled her duties even though she thought she had no reason to do it anymore since her nanny was nowhere to be found. But she didn¡¯t want to anger Jace either.


    In the morning, she would prepare breakfast for him and serve him. Even aftering back from work, Emerald never failed to do what she needed to do. One day, young Morgan slumped on the couch, feeling tired, thinking about herself and her situation. ¡®Is this still okay? Don¡¯t I value myself that I let Jace do this to me? How long will I let him hurt me?¡¯ she asked herself.


    Emerald went to her room and called her friend. She wants to finalize her n and leave Jace for good. ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Creep asked.


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t think he would care if I just disappeared,¡± Emerald replied. Still, I want to make sure that he won¡¯t be able to find me, so I want you to erase everything that may lead to me and my whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°Why note to me instead?¡± Creep asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do business together.¡±


    ¡°What kind of business?¡±


    What else? Something we¡¯re good at.¡±


    ¡°Games?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Creep replied. Emerald thinks for a moment. Instead of going somewhere, she doesn¡¯t know what might happen to her. She realized that what Creep was offering her was a lot better. She knew how to develop games and was good at it. She was never given a chance to show her skills because of her family, who never gave her a chance to grow. Even after marrying Jace, he confined her to household chores as her parents did.


    After giving some thought, Emerald agreed. They talk about the n and when they will execute it before they end their video call. ¡®Yes, this might be for good. I had to think in my best interest if I wanted to grow as a person. Enough is enough. I love Jace, but it¡¯s not bad to love myself, right? After all, he was the one who took my feelings for granted.¡¯ she told herself.


    Emerald will leave the mansion on their first anniversary since she thought Jace would never remember it. It¡¯s in two days, so she has decided to prepare everything. She started to pack the things she had brought when she moved in, thinking she didn¡¯t want anything that might remind her of Jace and nning on forgetting him.


    ***


    ¡°Hi, son.¡± Jessica greeted before she kissed Jace on his cheek.


    ¡°How¡¯s Jack?¡± he asked,


    ¡°In his bedroom. Have you eaten?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I stopped by a restaurant on my way here.¡±


    ¡°Alright, your dad is in our bedroom. He just gets something.¡± Jessica replied. ¡°What brought you here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just want to invite you for dinner in two days.¡± young Higginson replied, making his mother crease her forehead.


    ¡°Did something happen? Is there some good news in thepany that we need to celebrate?¡± Jessica asked excitedly.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that. You know, I miss my brother, and I¡¯m just happy that he¡¯s doing okay. You could say that I want to celebrate his recovery.¡± Jace replied. Jessica smiled and hugged her son. She knew how close her sons were to each other, and she also knew how devastated her younger son was after what happened to Jack.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that your brother is better now. Thanks to Eunice because she didn¡¯t give up on him no matter how much Jack pushed her away.¡±


    ¡°She deserves the bonus she received,¡± Jace replied, smiling. ¡°Do you think Jack can return to work now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, son. His doctor said he needs to be checked monthly, especially his legs. He still undergoes therapy every week as well.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll get better soon. I know how much you want to concentrate on yourpany, but please, hold on a little longer.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Mom. I can still manage, and I know that when Jack gets better, he will be the one who asks us to let him get back to work,¡± Jace said with a smile.


    ¡°You know your brother too well.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Jace stayed with his parents until dinner and went straight to his bedroom when he arrived at his mansion. He wanted to see Emerald but stopped himself because of his n.


    Young Higginson went to his office the following day and found Emerose waiting for him. ¡°Hi,¡± she said, smiling. She got up from the couch she was sitting on.


    ¡°Who lets you in here?¡± Jace asked, annoyed. Thest time she saw her was in the Morgan mansion because Emerson Morgan invited him to discuss business. He was about to leave when Emerald arrived because the Morgan couple only wanted to pair him with Emerose, which he didn¡¯t like.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°I came here early, so there¡¯s no one here yet. I just invited myself in; I¡¯m sorry if you didn¡¯t like it.¡± Emerose replied, sounding apologetic.


    ¡°Next time, don¡¯te here uninvited. This is my workce, and I didn¡¯t want anyone toe and go here as they please. My workce is mine alone.¡± Jace replied as he made his way to his chair and sat while Emerose walked closer to him until she stood before his table. ¡°Sit down and tell me what you came for.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to meddle with you and my little sister, but I want her to be happy, Jace.¡± Young Higginson raised a brow after hearing that. No matter where he looked at the eldest Morgan, he couldn¡¯t see any concern for her little sister.


    ¡°This is thest time that I am going to tell you this; what the fuck are you doing here? Don¡¯t beat around the bush, and just tell me your fucking concern.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Emerose said, startled. She didn¡¯t know that Jace would be like that to her, ¡®I am going to make you mine, Jace Higginson. I will not stop until I steal you from Emerald.¡¯ she thought. Eldest Morgan took something out of her bag and handed it to Jace.


    ¡°I know your wedding anniversary is approaching, and I want my little sister to be happy with you. But I can¡¯t help but show you that.¡± she continued while Jace started to look at the photos filled with Emerald¡¯s images with Dr. Sanders. There¡¯s also the part where they hug when the doctor agrees to look after Lucy when she leaves.


    ¡°What do you imply with this?¡± Jace asked angrily. His face hardened, as he balled his fist.


    ¡°Please, make Emerald happy. Don¡¯t let her fall for someone. Maybe she feels like you are neglecting her. That¡¯s why she looked for someone else to care for her.¡± Emerose answered with teary eyes.


    Jace was so angry after hearing what Emerose said. Although he already knew that she was faking her concern, he still didn¡¯t like the idea of what the pictures portrayed. Emerald looked worried while Dr. Sanders¡¯ hand was on her back. ¡®It doesn¡¯t look intimate, but I still don¡¯t like it. Is that how easy she is? She said she loves me and only me, and yet, she let another man hug her?¡¯ young Higginson thought.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Jace shouted, so Emerose got up and left his office, looking fearful. But unknown to him, she wasughing internally, seeing how he reacted. She started running her head about the punishment that Jace would give to Emerald. For a year, the eldest Morgan thought about how she would separate the two. Following Emerald with all her moves and catching her off guard several times gives her enough proof to appear that she was having an affair.


    Jace went home that day but didn¡¯t confront Emerald. He already had a n and would do it; he thought it would be sweeter if she didn¡¯t see iting.


    The first anniversary.


    Jace woke up and got dressed. He was humming since the day he waited had finally arrived. The other day, Kyle brought him the divorce papers that he will ask Emerald to sign. He took it out of his bag and put it in the bedside table drawer.


    He had no n to eat breakfast but wanted to give Emerald false hope. Before he left for work, Jace told his wife, ¡°Prepare dinner. My brother and parents will be here. I am going to introduce them to you,¡± He thought the look on young Morgan¡¯s face was priceless. She was speechless, and he didn¡¯t hear anything from him until he left.


    In his office, he was thinking about how Emerald would react when she saw Jackter. He couldn¡¯t wait, and if he could only pull the time, he¡¯d do it. There¡¯s a fang of pain in his heart, but he ignores it. He decided to pull his revenge and wanted to see it through to the end.


    Jace finished all his work and went home. Emerald¡¯s smiling face weed him, which shocked him. Although he anticipated that the cold treatment he had received from her over the past two weeks would change because of what he had said earlier,  he still didn¡¯t expect her to be so weing. How much more, kissing him. And he likes it, making him turn on and end up making love to his wife.


    He does it gently to savor the moment. He wants to make memories he can think of when he misses her after he throws her out of his life. Yes, it is painful for him. But he¡¯s angry. He doesn¡¯t like to betray Jack by continuously living with the woman who hurt him.


    ¡°I will make sure that you regret this, and I will never forgive you in this lifetime. I hate you, Jace Higginson, and I will bury my love for you at the bottom of the Mariana Trench so that I would have to die before I feel that way towards you again.¡±


    Were Emerald¡¯s words that left a deep cut in Jace¡¯s heart. He knew what he had done and how unforgivable it was. But he was invested in his revenge, so he endured the pain of losing the only woman who caught his attention and whom he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.

 Chapter 14

    Five yearster¡­.


    ¡°Jack is doing well with his wife. When are you going to settle yours?¡± Kyle asked Jace, who looked at him and rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Instead of thinking about my life, why don¡¯t you do the job I ask you to do?¡± Jace replied,


    ¡°I already did, and ACEGame agreed to a meeting to hear our proposal,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Jace asked, trying to confirm it. They had been asking for a meeting for two years in thepany, but their CEO didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°Of course. It was because their boss lives in Europe and will be back in the country for good. He¡¯s probably in the airport as we speak.¡±


    ¡°I see, so he must be very hands-on in business dealings. I want to coborate with them. After I was sure that Jack was back to his old self and was happy with his wife, I started to feel this urge to create my own online game. But you know that it¡¯s not that easy.¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°You know what? I don¡¯t get you; why is it hard for you to do that when you¡¯re famous when ites to software.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not hard; I¡¯m not in the mood. Ick motivation.¡±


    ¡°Is it because of Emerald? Are you still thinking about her?¡± Kyle asked, which made Jace quiet. Over the years, he had been looking for his wife. He tried his best to find where she had gone but failed miserably. He spends so much money on different investigators, but she¡¯s nowhere to be found. ¡°Are you still not giving up on her? It¡¯s been five years, Jace. You don¡¯t know; she might have her new husband already.¡± Kyle added, making his friend re at him.


    ¡°Just leave and prepare for the meeting. Ensure that everything we need will be sufficient to allow the ACEGame boss to coborate with us. Did you get that?¡± he replied angrily, making poor Kyle leave his office.


    After his friend leaves, Jace remembers the day Emerald left their mansion.


    *** shback ***


    Young Higginson was on the top step of the stairs when he saw Emerald walking her way to the entrance door. He meets Jack and his parents and sees his wife bowing to them before leaving the mansion with her luggage.


    ¡®Why did she act like she doesn¡¯t know Jack?¡¯ Jace asked himself. Mrs. Higginson looked up to him,


    ¡°Jace, dear. Who is she?¡± Jessica asked curiously, making Jace return to his senses and go down.


    ¡°Jack, don¡¯t you know her?¡± he asked his brother, who looked confused.


    ¡°Do I need to?¡± his brother replied, asking. ¡°Who is she anyway? Why is she crying? Did you do something to the girl?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jace eximed. He couldn¡¯t believe his brother asking him about Emerald, who was supposed to be the woman who hurt him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Jace? Who is that girl?¡± Nick, his father, chimed in.


    ¡°She¡¯s Emerald,¡± he replied,


    ¡°Emerald?¡± the three eximed in unison, wide-eyed. They already had an idea about why the woman was crying. But they didn¡¯t expect what Jace said next: ¡°She¡¯s my wife, and I ask her to sign our divorce papers.¡±


    ¡°What!!¡± Again, the three eximed, now looking at young Higginson usingly.


    ¡°You hurt her because of me?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat and talk.¡± Jessica interrupted, and they started walking to the living room before Jace told them what had happened. They were all shocked, especially Jack.


    ¡°But she¡¯s not the Emerald that hurt me, Jace.¡± his brother said.


    ¡°They, why the hell did you write her name on that notebook?¡±


    ¡°Emerald? There¡¯s a lot of Emerald in this world; how did you get revenge for me on that particr one.¡±


    ¡°Because you write her full name. Emerald Morgan!¡±


    ¡°Emerald Morgan? I remember that name; I think a friend of mine wanted me to know about her but totally forgot about it because of my personal dilemma, which you already knew.¡±


    ¡°What about her? Why did your friend want to know more about her?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°He has a client looking for a woman, and he said that Emerald Morgan was his lead. But he couldn¡¯t get enough information from her, and there¡¯s a lot of Emerald Morgan in the country, too.¡± Jack exined. Jace didn¡¯t know what he would do, so he rushed out of his mansion, hoping he could still catch his wife. But to his dismay, Emerald was gone and couldn¡¯t be found.


    *** End of shback ***


    ¡®Where are you, Emerald?¡¯ He asked himself. ¡®I did everything possible to find you, but you hid so well. Are you not going toe back to me? Did you really bury your love for me at the Mariana Trench?¡¯


    Meanwhile, in the airport, Emerald came from the arrival area on her way to the car where Creep and his wife were waiting for her. After five long years, she had just returned from Europe with her son Ace and his nanny Keng, as well as her friend and assistant Daryl. ¡°Baby, you need to slow down,¡± she told her son, who didn¡¯t want his nanny to hold him.


    ¡°I¡¯m no longer a baby, Mommy.¡± the boy replied, making Emerald and the others smile.


    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± She said, ¡°But to me, you will always be my baby.¡± Then, pick the boy up and let him sit on her luggage before pushing it.


    ¡°Here! Here! M.!¡± A familiar voice of a man was heard from a distance, mixing with the noise of people who were busy looking for their families who weed them. Emerald searched for the owner and smiled when she found Creep and his wife, Elise, waving their hands at them.


    ¡°There they are,¡± Emerald said and started walking their way in Creep¡¯s direction.


    ¡°And they look excited. Is that how they missed us?¡± The boy asked.


    ¡°They were always like that, Ace,¡± Daryl said. He, too, was friends with the couple.


    ¡°Of course, especially you. You know how much your Aunt Elise loves you.¡± Emerald replied, pushing the luggage. Elise met them halfway while Creep opened the carpartment.


    When they reached the car, the boy got down from the luggage, while Creep took the luggage from Emerald and put it in thepartment with Daryl and Keng¡¯s luggage before they all got in the car and drove home.


    ¡°Wee back!¡± Creep and Elise shouted when they entered the mansion, making them allugh.


    ¡°As if we lived here,¡± Emerald replied as they entered the living room. On the way to their house, young Morgan was amazed at the beautiful surroundings. She asked Creep to find her a house that she and her son, Ace, could live in, and she didn¡¯t expect that he would get them a mansion.


    ¡°Well, what do you think of the house?¡± Creep asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s big; I told you it¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°You deserve this, M. After all your hard work, this is not even enough,¡± Elise replied. ¡°And remember, Keng and Daryl will be staying with you. There are maids here, so you don¡¯t need to stress yourself with household chores, so please, get a life.¡±


    ¡°And how many times do I need to tell you that I owe everything to you two?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Mom, you will only repeat that conversation again and again,¡± Ace said, making them all look at him.


    ¡°Your son is right, so stopining and ept it.¡± Creep chimed in. Emerald shook her head because she knew they would only go against her. That¡¯s how they are. Whenever she felt thankful to them for everything that had happened in her life, they would give her credit back.


    ¡°You should know your mom as well.¡± Daryl chimed in.


    ¡°You should be thankful to me instead because I¡¯m your lucky charm,¡± Ace said, making them allugh and agree.


    After a few more conversations, the couple left them and went home. Because they had just gotten back from a flight, Emerald decided to rest early, so she let Daryl and Keng go to their rooms. At the same time, she put her son to bed early before she went to her room.


    ¡°Wee back, indeed,¡± Emerald told herself after she closed her room door. She leaned back and closed her eyes, thinking about the past she had tried to forget but couldn¡¯t. ¡°Why do I need to think about him? It¡¯s in the past, and I shouldn¡¯t get affected thinking about meeting him.¡± She added and opened her eyes before going to the bathroom to freshen up before bed.


    ¡®See you, Jace Higginson.¡¯ she thought before she fell asleep.

 Chapter 15

    The ACEGame building is buzzing with workers who are ready to meet their boss, whom they haven¡¯t met for four years. Employees have been curious about how he looks since he lives in Europe. He avoided getting caught on camera, so no one actually knows his face except their boss for operation, Creep, and his wife, Elise.


    ¡°Do you think the boss is handsome?¡± A few females asked the other while they lined up in front of the entrance door of the first floor.


    ¡°I hope so. I want to see a handsome face when working to motivate me.¡± the girl replied with giggles.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± the one in front of them said before looking at the entrance. Then they saw their bosse in with Creep and Elise. But they wondered why a woman was in the middle of their bosses.


    Emerald was walking along with Creep, Elise, and Daryl, and she was creasing her forehead when she saw how their employees lined up. ¡°What¡¯s all this, Creep?¡± she asked in a low voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± he replied. After they pass through the employees, Creep decides to be left behind and talk to them. In contrast, Emerald and the others continue walking to the elevator.


    The ACEGame building is a 10-story building that Creep bought from a closingpany after he had an engineer check it. Emerald didn¡¯t want a high-rise building because she wanted to work closer to her employees while working with camaraderie.


    Thepany¡¯s setup is very informal, and anyone cane to work in their house dress. But none of them do that; they still want to feel the ambiance of being in an office and flex their OOTD.


    ¡°What was that about, Elise?¡± Emerald asked as soon as they entered her office.


    ¡°I have no idea either. Maybe the team leaders were excited to meet you, but since they had no idea what kind of boss you are, they decided to do that.¡±


    ¡°Inform Creep to tell them not to do that again,¡± she replied. She took her seat before she began looking into some documents on her table. After a few minutes, Creep came in, apologizing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, M. They were all overwhelmed. I told them not to spread the news about you or even take your pictures and post them on their social media ounts if they want to keep their jobs.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare them with their work, Creep,¡± young Morgan said, smiling while shaking her head. She knew her friend didn¡¯t mean it, but she was worried that their employees might overthink.


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Creep replied, ¡°Have you seen your schedule for next week? I know that you just arrived, and if I could make you rest first, I¡¯d do it. But you have jobs to do.¡±


    ¡°I understand, and I¡¯m ready. You don¡¯t need to worry about jetg or whatnot because I¡¯m fine. Even Ace is very energetic this morning.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know.¡± After a few discussions aboutpany adjustments, Emerald was left in her office alone and continued what she was doing before her friend arrived.


    Emerald¡¯s first day at work had been very hectic. She halted everything Creep had to do because she wanted to do it herself. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s time to go home,¡± Daryl said as he opened the door and got in.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll just clean up,¡± young Morgan replied and started organizing her things on the table. ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± she asked after she was done, and then the two went out and walked their way to the elevator and out of the building.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace greeted Emerald happily before hugging her, to which she returned with warmth.


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    ¡°Very fine, Mom. But it gets boring since nanny Keng didn¡¯t let me study coding.¡± the boy replied,


    ¡°It¡¯s because I told her to. We just arrived, and I want you to rest as much as possible.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But I am not tired or anything.¡± Ace reasoned out, pouting.


    ¡°Oh dear, mommy only wants what¡¯s best for you, right?¡± Emerald asked, making Ace nodded. ¡°Even if you think you don¡¯t feel tired, it doesn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re not. Your body needs more rest than adults do.¡±


    ¡°But you even go to work.¡± Heined.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good argument, but what did I say about talking back, young man?¡± She asked, raising a brow. Ace became quiet while Daryl and Nanny Keng were holding theirughter.


    As a mother, Emerald made sure that she spent quality time with her son after work or on weekends. She wanted him to know and feel the love of a mother, something she longed for and would surely not deprive him of.


    After a week of working nonstop, Emerald decided to bring her son out for some mother-son bonding. ¡°Are you really going to buy me a new console, Mom?¡± Ace asked while they were in the car, on their way to a mall.


    ¡°Yes. Is it hard to believe?¡± Emerald asked, confused. As far as she can remember, she never forbade him from any kind of games he wanted to y as long as it was not an adult kind of game.


    ¡°You said I need to focus on my studies since I will start attending school.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re responsible, so I don¡¯t need to worry about your studies. And I am here to remind you when you forget about it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, mommy,¡± the boy said and hugged her tightly. Emerald engulfed him with her embrace as well. At the same time, Elise, sitting in the passenger seat beside Creep who was driving, and Nanny Keng, who sat beside them in the backseat, looked at them happily.


    ¡°What do you think about this?¡± Ace asked his mother. Emerald looked at the console his son was pointing at, and she thought it was okay, so she nodded.


    ¡°Make sure that it¡¯s what you like.¡± She suggested.


    ¡°Then let me have a look again.¡± The boy replied, scratching his head with a hesitant smile.


    ¡°Go on, dear. Take your time.¡± Emerald told her son, and the boy started looking at the disy.


    ¡°How about you? Are you not going to buy anything? Your things from your house in Europe won¡¯t arrive until next month. Why don¡¯t you buy some clothes as well?¡± Elise said, and Creep seconded the motion. So, after giving a smile and thanking them, she asked the couple to look after Ace, who was engrossed in the disy with his nanny.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of him,¡± Creep assured her, so she started walking out of the toy store.


    Meanwhile, Jace and Jack were together on the other side of the mall. ¡°Tell me, why did you bring me here? Can¡¯t you just ask your assistant to buy the gift for you?¡± young Higginson asked,  confused.


    ¡°Are you busy?¡± Jack asked, and Jace shook his head. ¡°So what¡¯s the fuzz? You have nothing to do, and I need someone to apany me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking why it has to be me?¡±


    ¡°Why not you? You¡¯re avable. Do you need a reason toe with me?¡± Jack said as they continued walking until they reached a jewelry store.


    ¡°Why here?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°Are you going to question everything?¡± his brother asked while he looked at the disy.


    ¡°Hi, sir. Is there a specific jewelry you¡¯re looking for?¡± the saledy asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for a ne,¡± Jack answered, making Jace crease his forehead.


    ¡°We have new arrivals.¡± The saledy replied happily and showed them the ne.


    ¡°Who are you going to give that ne to?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°Who else? To my wife!¡± Jack eximed before shaking his head, looking at him, and added, ¡°If you only give yourself time to look around, you might have found someone that will catch your attention. Is that what staying in your office did to you? Come on, little bro, get a life!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easier said than done,¡± Jace replied as he averted his gaze to the ne. He remembered that he didn¡¯t give Emerald anything when they were together. It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t want to; he even bought her something, but he just didn¡¯t give it. And he was still doing it.


    The sibling stopped talking about the young Higginson, and Jack continued looking until he decided to order a customized ne, which the store also offered. They just went out of the store after making a down payment when Jace looked at the other side and noticed someone.


    ¡°Emerald?¡± he said unsure.


    ¡°Who?¡± Jack asked, looking in the direction that young Higginson was looking.


    ¡°Wait for me here,¡± Jace said, running towards the other side. But he needs to run in his right direction and make a U-turn at the end of the hall to go to the clothing boutique where he saw Emerald. Jack followed him with his gaze and then looked in the direction his little brother had been looking at earlier.


    ¡®Did he just say, Emerald?¡¯ he asked himself. For thest five years, he has seen how Jace is after his sister-inw leaves him. Although he knew that it was Jace¡¯s fault, he still couldn¡¯t help but feel pity for him. He had found the love of his life and loved him back, but he let himself be consumed by anger and revenge.


    Jace, who had reached the clothing boutique, looked around in search of Emerald, whom he thought he saw. His eyesnded on the elevator going down, and he noticed a retreating figure of someone he mistook for his wife, so he ran there as well.


    Just as the woman reached the next floor, Jace stopped her by her wrist and said, ¡°Emerald,¡± the woman looked at him, confused.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± the woman asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I thought you were someone I knew,¡± Jace replied, letting go of the woman¡¯s arm as she continued walking away.


    ¡®Where are you, Emerald?¡¯ Jace asked himself again. A question he has been asking for five years that is yet to be answered or couldn¡¯t find the answer. With slumped shoulders, he returned to where he had left his brother, who was looking at him with pity.

 Chapter 16

    Jace lives in the penthouse of hispany building. After Emerald left, he couldn¡¯t bear to live in the mansion since he only remembered his wife there. But after what happened in the mall, he decided to go to the house where he lived with the woman he loved for a year.


    ¡°Do you want me to set the table for you, sir?¡± the butler asked as he sat on the couch in the living room, but Jace shook his head.


    ¡°Get me a bottle of whiskey and a ss.¡± He said before he leaned back and closed his eyes.


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t eaten yet. It would be good if you put something in your stomach first,¡± the butler insisted. He was confident he could remind Jace since he had been working for their family for a long time. After Emerald left, Jessica asked him to look after her son, but young Higginson didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just do as I say? I¡¯m not hungry, you can call Jack and ask him. We eat before we go our separate ways.¡± Jace replied, annoyed. Although he knew that the butler was just concerned about him, he still didn¡¯t like the idea that he didn¡¯t do what he wanted him to do.


    ¡°As you wish, sir.¡± The butler replied and left. After a few minutes, he returned with Jace¡¯s request in his hands and put it on the center table in front of his master.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Young Higginson said before the butler left him again.


    Jace drank the whole bottle after a couple of hours, but he could still feel the pain of missing his wife. He got up from the couch and went upstairs to Emerald¡¯s room. He opened the door and got in. Young Higginson smiled when his eyesnded on the bed and remembered how his wife looked in her sleep.


    He sat on the bed and felt it before hey down and closed his eyes as he imagined Emerald lying beside him. His tears roll down when reality hits him: his wife is gone and doesn¡¯t love him anymore.


    Jace got up and walked to the closet. He opened it and found the clothes that he had asked Nn to buy for Emerald after their marriage. ¡®She didn¡¯t bring anything besides her things,¡¯ he told himself. ¡®I didn¡¯t even see her wearing one of these,¡¯ he continued as he slowly ran his fingers on the clothes hanging.


    He averted his eyes, looked in the vanity mirror, and found the cosmetics that he had also asked Nn to buy. He remembered how in and simple Emerald was because she had never worn makeup except when he asked her to attend a party with him. ¡®It was a very light makeup, but she looked beautiful.¡¯ A smile appears on his lips when he remembers the dress he bought for him. He thought Emerald would look like nothing but an assistant after she wore it, but to his surprise, she still looked stunning. It was also the same clothes she wore on their 1st wedding anniversary and when she left the mansion. ¡®Did you keep that dress, my wife?¡¯ he asked himself. Hoping against hope that Emerald does because that only means she still cares for him, even for a bit.


    In Emerald¡¯s mansion, they had just got home, and Ace was already sleeping. ¡°Thankfully, we ate out. If not, he won¡¯t be able to have his dinner now.¡± Creep said as he walked up the stairs with little Ace in his arms, followed by Emerald and nanny Keng while Elise was left in the living room and waiting for them.


    ¡°You can put him here,¡± she told his friend while nanny Keng got Ace a change of clothes.


    ¡°He looks happy even in his sleep,¡± Creepmented as they looked at the boy.


    ¡°After everything he did earlier, who wouldn¡¯t be so happy?¡± Emerald agreed and started changing the boy¡¯s clothes, which Keng had handed her. After securing her son, she left the room with Creep and returned to Elise as the nanny stayed with the boy.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± her friend asked when they were sitting on the couch.


    ¡°For what?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    ¡°Seeing Jace again.¡± Young Morgan sighs heavily. She didn¡¯t want to meet her ex-husband.


    ¡°I told Daryl to meet him in my stead.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still angry at him?¡± Elise asked. Although she knew what had happened to her and Jace, she still didn¡¯t like the idea of their divorce. It was not just them; she believed in the sanctity of marriage and that if a married couple could work things out and talk about their problems, separation wouldn¡¯t happen, and it was unnecessary.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. After all that happens, I¡¯m happy with my son now. I couldn¡¯t ask for more besides finding nanny Lucy. I just hope Jace is not the one behind her disappearance.¡±


    ¡°You have a son. What are you going to do if he sees Ace? You can¡¯t hide the fact that the boy is his. They look the same.¡± Creep said, and she nodded.


    ¡°I know that. Even if I want to tell Jace about our son, I don¡¯t think he will ept him. What if he only hurt my boy? Ace is happy now, even without or not knowing him.¡±


    ¡°You know you can¡¯t hide that fact forever, especially when you¡¯re going to start working together. One way or another, Jace and Ace will eventually meet, whether you like it or not.¡± Elise reminded her of her worry. She couldn¡¯t understand why she had agreed to coborate.


    ¡°There¡¯s still a chance that we won¡¯t work together,¡± Emerald said,


    ¡°What is it?¡± the couple asked in unison.


    ¡°If I reject his proposal.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? I mean, I¡¯ve seen their initial offer, and I liked it. That¡¯s why I told you about it.¡± Creep said.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re nning on letting Daryl do the rejection?¡± Elise asked with curiosity,


    ¡°What if it didn¡¯t go ording to your n? What if Jace insisted on meeting you? Surely, he will ask why it was rejected when we had already shown our interest in the project. He will surely ask for you.¡± Creep said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cross the bridge when I get there.¡± Elise and Creep roll their eyes at her while sheughs, trying to appear rxed.


    They discussed otherpany matters before Daryl arrived. ¡°I didn¡¯t know we had a meeting,¡± hemented after seeing them.


    ¡°You will be having a meeting with your boss on Monday, and you better be ready for what she asks you to do,¡± Creep said as he and his wife got up from the couch and prepared to leave.


    ¡°Wait, what was that about?¡± Daryl asked worriedly, but the couple and Emeraldughed at him, making him more worried. He knew how crazy his boss was and didn¡¯t want to be part of her craziness.


    ¡°Goodnight, Daryl. I¡¯ll go to my room¡±, Emerald said, walking her way to the stairs after the couple left.


    ¡°Wait, M. Tell me about it first,¡± Daryl said as he followed her.


    ¡°On Monday. I will tell you about it at work. For now, rest.¡± Emerald replied and continued walking until he reached her bedroom.


    When she was alone, young Morgan couldn¡¯t help but think about what they had talked about. She was worried that Jace would not ept Ace, so she didn¡¯t want them to meet. But she also wanted her son to meet his father, and she couldn¡¯t help but remember what happened after she left the mansion.


    Creep destroyed all CCTV footage that captured her after she left the mansion. She didn¡¯t want to be found and wanted to start anew in a ce where no one would ever find her. With the help of Dr. Sanders, who managed to get her ne ticket and leave the country while Creep faked all her documents, Emerald went to Europe without sweat. She couldn¡¯t believe it herself, but what could she do? Creep is the best when ites to hacking.


    When Emerald met Creep and Elise, she stayed in their apartment unit. The two were doing illegal things at the time but never got caught. But after she arrived, the couple decided to start anew and let young Morgan lead them.


    Just like Creep suggested, they developed a game that they never thought would be weed by gamers around the world. It was a lucky strike, as they called it. But it wasn¡¯t easy when they started it. They spent restless nights, especially Emerald¡¯s, coding the game. After two months, they found out that she was pregnant.


    They almost lost their hope because Emerald was having a hard time with her pregnancy. They had no money then, but Creep and Elise did everything they could to help her. Months passed, but young Morgan continued coding until she finalized it before giving birth.


    Thanks to Liam, Emerald¡¯s new friend, who knew about them but didn¡¯t tell the government. He was also the one who helped them stay legally in Europe six months after theyunched their game.


    They treated Ace as their lucky charm because everything happened ording to their n after he was born. That¡¯s why theirpany was named ACEGame-they ace the online gamemunity. It¡¯s Emerald¡¯s one and only son¡¯s name, which she never realized was after his father as well.


    Emerald sighed after she remembered those times. Although she didn¡¯t want to see her ex-husband anymore, she wanted to see him and tell him that she had be sessful without him and that she didn¡¯t need his money, which he thought she was after when they got married. Until now, she didn¡¯t know where Jace got the idea that she was some sort of a gold digger. She wanted to know, but she never had a chance to ask him.


    ¡®What if? What if I ask him now?¡¯ she thought before she closed her eyes and slept.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°Say that again?¡± Jace asked Kyle. They had just finished meeting with the marketing department and were left behind in the conference room.


    ¡°ACEGame wants us to submit our detailed proposal,¡± Kyle repeated.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Aren¡¯t we supposed to meet their boss so we will be able to exin the details further?¡±


    ¡°They told me that their boss would be very busy this month, so they canceled the meeting. They promise to look into our proposal and study it, and then they will get back to us.¡±


    ¡°What if they reject it? How will we exin the project to them if they base their decision only on the proposal? How will we answer their question if they will not meet us?¡± Jace asked continuously. He wanted coboration very much but didn¡¯t know why.


    ¡°Then we get another meeting. They said their boss will be very busy this month, which I understand since he just arrived.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see it, Kyle? They didn¡¯t want to work with us!¡± Jace eximed. ¡°Asked for another meeting. Tell them that if their boss is unavable, they can reschedule the meeting for next month if they want to or whenever they are ready.¡±


    ¡°They seemed to be interested when I told them about our proposal. Why would they not want to cooperate with us now?¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Of course! The head of operations said it. That¡¯s why he informed his boss about it. Otherwise, he would reject it the first time and would not even schedule the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Then, why the hell are they suddenly asking for another proposal and didn¡¯t want to meet us?¡± Jace asked again.


    ¡°I had no idea. If they asked for it, why not give it to them?¡±


    ¡°I want to meet their boss. There¡¯s no problem if they had done that from the beginning. But they had already scheduled a meeting with us, and then suddenly, they backed out. There should be a reason behind it, and I want to know that. Schedule another meeting no matter how long it will take.¡± Jace said angrily.


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t get so hyped. I will do that now.¡± Kyle replied and then left his office. Once Jace was alone, he leaned back and started thinking about ACEGame.


    ¡®The owner was very private. Was he hiding or something?¡¯ he thought. Online games had been rampant, and Jace also wanted to be in the market. His business is doing great, but he doesn¡¯t want to be idle.


    Jack had been managing their bank business for five years. After Emerald left, Jace didn¡¯t want to work, so his older brother had to step up, especially when young Higginson hurt his wife because of him.


    Three dayster¡­


    ¡°Jace, let¡¯s go,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°Where?¡± Asked Jace, creasing his forehead in confusion. He doesn¡¯t remember any scheduled meetings.


    ¡°We will go to ACEGame.¡±


    ¡°As in now?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Today is the only day someone can talk to us.¡±


    ¡°Someone? So it¡¯s not their boss either?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, bro. They just said; if we are avable, we can go there to talk.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jace replied and got up from his seat. ¡®Just what the fuck are they thinking?¡¯ he asked himself. Although he wanted this coboration more than anything, ACEGame is making him lose his patience.


    The two drove their way to the ACEGame building. Jace looked up and thought that it was not what he expected, thinking it was not grand. But he saw different character game figures on disy once they entered the building. He realized that thepany was focused on what they were.


    On the 10th floor, Daryl weed them and led them to their meeting room. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Higginson. I¡¯m sorry for rushing you here.¡±


    ¡°As long as you give us time, it¡¯s fine with me,¡± Jace replied, although he knew hispany was biggerpared to them.


    ¡°Mr. Kyle sent us the detailed proposal, and I called you here to inform you that our boss had rejected it,¡± Daryl said. He was nervous because he knew who Jace Higginson was. But he feared his friend and employer more than the man before him.


    ¡°What?¡± The two eximed. ¡°Why the hell did you even make use here?¡± It was Kyle.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you are persistent. I¡¯m afraid that you will never stop asking for a meeting, so to prevent that from happening again, I invited you here. You can ask anything, and I will try to answer it.¡± Daryl replied.


    ¡°Thest time we talked to your head of operation, he was interested in this coboration. I don¡¯t see any reason for you to decline the offer since this is also a win for yourpany. It was also why he brought it to your boss¡¯s attention.¡± Jace replied while Kyle was just quiet. He knew how angry his friend was now.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, I know that this is upsetting. But I¡¯m only rying this to you. Our boss didn¡¯t like some uses in the proposal.¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°First, how the female characters dressed up. Ourpany wants wholesome clothes for male and female heroes and heroines.¡±


    ¡°We can change that.¡± Jace immediately replied.


    ¡°You have your development team while we also have that.¡± Daryl continued.


    ¡°We can discuss that matter. We coulde up with a better solution.¡±


    ¡°My boss, Mr. Higginson, leads the development team. So unless you let us handle it, there will be no other solution.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. What else?¡±


    ¡°About the profit sharing and distribution of products, ourpany wanted 60%.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too much? We should have 50/50,¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we want,¡± Daryl replied. ¡°About the expenses, since we will do all the job, you will have to spend more.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s ridiculous?¡± Jace eximed. ¡°You will be profiting more from this, but you can¡¯t even have an equal share of expenses! That¡¯s absurd!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we reject your proposal,¡± Daryl replied confidently. ¡®You are crazy, M.¡¯ he thought.


    The truth is that Emerald didn¡¯t want to continue their coboration with Jace because she started to feel ufortable. It was only for the thought that they would have to face each other in a meeting. She got scared when the realization of being together and seeing each other all the time once they did the project hit her.


    ¡°You know what? I need to talk to your boss.¡± Jace said, ¡°Is he here?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s busy and won¡¯t be able to talk to you,¡± Daryl said, but Jace got up from his seat and walked out of the meeting room, followed by confused Kyle and Daryl.


    ¡°We are on the 10th floor, so I assume your boss¡¯s office should be here, too,¡± Jace said as he started to look around. He stopped at every door and read the sign.


    Daryl, on the other hand, was getting nervous because Emerald was on the same floor talking to an unexpected visitor and might have caught them doing something inappropriate.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, please stop. This is not good, and my boss will only get mad if¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Jace said, stopping him to finish his sentence exactly when they stopped in front of a door with the CEO Office sign.


    ¡°Daryl, what¡¯s going on?¡± Creep asked, making the assistant sigh in relief, thinking he was there to help him.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson wants to meet M,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson. I¡¯m sorry, but M didn¡¯t want to continue this project.¡±


    ¡°M?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes, our boss.¡±


    ¡°You called him M?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Hey, babe.¡± Elise came out of nowhere, smiling sweetly to her husband. Then her eyesnded on Jace; with wide eyes, she eximed. ¡°Oh my gosh, they look the same¡±


    ¡°Elise.¡± Daryl stops her.


    ¡°What do you mean? Look what?¡± Jace asked angrily, creasing his forehead. He started to think everyone in thepany was making fun of him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. A slip of the tongue.¡± Elise replied before she turned her back to them. After that, Jace quickly opened the CEO¡¯s Office door, and Creep and Daryl couldn¡¯t stop him.

 Chapter 18

    ¡°Liam!¡± Emerald eximed when she looked up to see who entered her office. Behind the man was Daryl, who excused himself since he had to meet Jace and Kyle.


    ¡°Hi,¡± the man replied, smiling, and walked closer to her.


    ¡°When did you arrive?¡± she asked as she got up from her seat to meet him.


    ¡°I just did. I went here as soon as I left the airport.¡±


    ¡°You should have told me that you¡¯reing. Creep would have got you.¡±


    ¡°I know how busy he is, so I just help myself.¡± Liam replied, ¡°And I think you are too.¡± he added, but Emerald shook her head.


    ¡°Nothing that I can¡¯t manage.¡±


    ¡°As always.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Emerald said, motioning to the couch not far from them. She was tense because she knew Jace would be talking to Daryl in their meeting room. She also knew that once her assistant told them about the rejection, her ex-husband would never agree.


    ¡°I think you already have an idea why I¡¯m here,¡± he said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, but I have a lead.¡±


    ¡°Can we discuss this at home? You didn¡¯t book at any hotel, right?¡±


    ¡°Why would I when there¡¯s a free home with a smart kid who would keep mepany?¡± Liam replied, grinning.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Have you eaten?¡± It was past lunch, and she wanted to leave thepany as well, just in case Jace thought of something else and decided toe and see her.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said, I went here straight from the airport.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go and eat at home. I¡¯m sure Ace will be very happy to see you.¡± Emerald replied and got up. She took her bag before she led Liam out of her office and decided to text Creep and Daryl to inform them that she had gone home.


    Meanwhile, ¡°Your boss is not here?¡± Asked Jace. Creep and Daryl were looking at each other when their phones buzzed. They look at it and sigh,


    ¡°Apparently, M left with our guest,¡± Creep said.


    ¡°Just like that?¡± Young Higginson was very angry, thinking they had made a fool of him.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry, Mr. Higginson. If you insist on talking to our boss, we will inform you again about the schedule. That is if you¡¯re still willing.¡± Daryl replied.


    Jace was furious, and Kyle saw it, but he was shocked when he heard his friend. ¡°When your boss is ready to meet me, let me know no matter how long it will take. As long as I will be able to discuss my proposal.¡±


    ¡°I understand. We¡¯ll let you know then.¡± Daryl replied while Creep started thinking about the alibi they would use next time.


    Jace and Kyle left the building and went back to his office. Young Higginson slumped himself on his chair before he closed his eyes. ¡°Jace, do you still want to coborate with them?¡± Asked Kyle.


    ¡°If I have to follow what head, I will stop here. If they didn¡¯t want to work with us, then fine. What they did earlier was enough reason for me to let it go.¡± Jace replied before he opened his eyes and looked at his friend.


    ¡°But?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Kyle. There¡¯s something in me that wants this coboration to continue. Especially after I see the CEO¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s in there?¡±


    ¡°The office reminds me of Emerald.¡±


    ¡°How? Maybe you¡¯re just overthinking. Is that how much you missed her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Kyle. Justtely, I thought I saw her in the mall when I was with Jack.¡± Jace replied, confused.


    ¡°You need a break, man. Why don¡¯t you go somewhere where you can unwind and think things through? You can¡¯t live like that. You have to let it go and free yourself of that feeling. You alone can help yourself, which will never happen if you do not allow yourself to meet another woman.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s my fault that this happened. Maybe it¡¯s my punishment for hurting my wife.¡± Jace said in a low voice.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re the one who was punishing yourself. I mean, you don¡¯t know what happened to Emerald. What if she already has a family and is happy with the man she loves?¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle. I can¡¯t take that. I love her. She was supposed to be mine.¡±


    ¡°But you let her go.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t file our divorce.¡± Kyle turns quiet. He doesn¡¯t know what he will say to his friend. For five years, he tried his best to understand and support him in any way he could. When he stopped working after Emerald left, Kyle took all the responsibilities in thepany. He was also thankful that Jack decided to step up and manage their bankpany even though he was still doing his therapy.


    ¡°Are you still hoping that she will ept and forgive you once Emerald returns after you apologize to her?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that natural?¡± Jace asked. ¡°If someone said sorry to you, wouldn¡¯t you need to ept it and forgive them?¡±


    ¡°I might forgive them, Jace,¡± Kyle replied, and young Higginson sighed in relief. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t mean we will be able to return to what we were before,¡±  he added. ¡°It¡¯s a sad reality, and I know you know it too. I am your friend, so I am telling you this.¡±


    ¡°What am I going to do? For five years, I didn¡¯t know how to live anymore. I am living my lifeless life.¡± Jace said.


    ¡°Now, more than ever. You need a break.¡± Kyle said with conviction.


    ¡°Go on a trip, and let me handle things here. I will try my best to coborate with ACEGame. Just go and try to breathe some air.¡±


    Jace nodded after some thought. He, too, realized that for thest five years, his life had evolved around his search for Emerald. So, he decided to take a month-long leave, and Kyle agreed, hoping he would see a new Jace when he returned.


    In Emerald¡¯s mansion, Ace was happy seeing Liam. ¡°Daddy Li.¡± the boy shouted as Liam carried him while grinning. Although young Morgan is not happy about it, he likes it when the boy calls him that. She didn¡¯t want his son to call anyone Daddy because she didn¡¯t want to cause any more problems in the future.


    ¡°When are you going to call him Uncle?¡± Emerald asked his son.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, M,¡± Liam said, stopping her from getting mad at her son, who now looks sad.


    ¡°You¡¯re not his father, so it¡¯s inappropriate for him to call you that way.¡±


    ¡°But I want a Dad,¡± Ace said in a low voice, and Emerald¡¯s heart clenched, feeling sorry for her son. She didn¡¯t want to deprive him of his father¡¯s love, but she had no way to give him that either.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Ace. You can call me Daddy whenever you want to.¡± Liam said, hoping it would make the boy happy. But little Ace looked at his mother, who was giving him a warning look.


    ¡°Dear,¡± Emerald said, taking Ace from Liam¡¯s arms. ¡°Can we talk about thister? Mommy understands you; believe it or not, I want you to see your father. Can I exin these things to you when you¡¯re a little older? It¡¯s just my life was a littleplicated before you came.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy.¡± Little Ace said, hugging her tight while Liam watched them. He wanted to be part of their lives, but he knew Emerald didn¡¯t feel the same way. He likes her, but he also knows that she doesn¡¯t like him the way he does. He loves her as a woman, but young Morgan loves him as a friend. Although something happened to them, Emerald made it clear from the beginning that they were only friends with benefits and nothing more.


    After Emerald put Ace into bed at night, she talked to Liam. ¡°I know what you¡¯ll say, and I just want the boy to be happy. You¡¯re my friend, but the boy holds a special ce in my heart. I was there when he was born, and I saw every stage in his life that a father should; please don¡¯t overthink because you know that Daryl and Creep would want Ace to call them Daddy as well.¡±


    Emerald couldn¡¯t say a thing because what Liam said was true. She just stopped her friends from letting her son call them that. ¡°Anyway, as for my visit, although I am on a month-long vacation, I came here with some news regarding your nanny.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Emerald asked nervously.


    ¡°A man took her, and after a thorough investigation by my friend here, Merly asked that man to do that.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Emerald eximed, thinking she was right all along.

 Chapter 19

    ¡°This is not happening again! How many times do we need to face this, Dad?¡± Emerose eximed. She was angry that their business was facing bankruptcy once again. For three years, Emerson had been struggling to manage their business. The investment that Jace made went to waste since the Morgan patriarch failed to stop his family from spending too much.


    ¡°I¡¯ve tried so hard to maintain this business, Emerose. I warned you and your mother not to spend beyond our means, yet you didn¡¯t follow. So don¡¯t me me if we¡¯re down the drain again.¡±


    ¡°Are you ming us? As the head of this family, you are responsible for providing us with our needs,¡± Merly replied angrily. She hated that her husband was pointing fingers at her and their daughter.


    ¡°Find another investor, Dad. Or better yet, talk to Jace again. He might want to marry me this time since he was separated from Emerald.¡± Emerose suggested. Old Morgan looked at her intently while thinking. After a while, he smiled and nodded his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s possible. He had not married after that jinx left.¡± Emerson replied.


    ¡°You should have approached him as soon as that jinx was out of the picture,¡± Merly told her daughter.


    ¡°Do you think I didn¡¯t try? Ever since he came into this house and married that jinx, I¡¯ve been constant in his life. But he keeps on pushing me away. The only time that he let me close to him was whenever Emerald was around. And I¡¯m sure it was because he wanted to hurt her.¡±


    ¡°Enough of that; I think I need to go and see Jace now,¡± Emerson said and got up. Emerose and Merly were left in their mansion.


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you have any news about Lucy?¡± Emerose asked.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking me that?¡± Mrs. Morgan asked, ring at her daughter. ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you that one month after we took her to the hospital, someone took her as well?¡±


    ¡°I was just worried; what if the man you asked to do the job would go to the police and tell them about it?¡± Emerose asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how much I have been paying that man so he would shut his mouth? Look at what happened to our business. If you had not asked me to do that, our situation wouldn¡¯t be like this.¡± Merly said angrily.


    ¡°Are you ming me now, Mom? After everything I did for you, you¡¯re telling me this? I hid the truth from Dad.¡±


    ¡°You did! And at what expense? To make me kidnap Lucy so you could see that jinx suffer. Now the man I asked to do the job was ckmailing me so he could get money from me nonstop!¡± Merly shouted.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy as well when that jinx came here, crying because Lucy was missing? Didn¡¯t it give you satisfaction as well? We both like it, Mom. So don¡¯t put all the me on me.¡± Emerose said and got up. She had lived her life like there was no tomorrow. Her parents gave her everything she wanted, no questions asked. So, losing everything they have now is a big blow for her.


    Merly, on the other hand, has been restless for the past three years thinking about Lucy. She was worried that she might show up and told everyone what she did to her that caused her to be tied to the hospital bed.


    ***


    ¡°Creep, Daryl, please take care of everything here. Liam and I need to go and check if my nanny is still in Miami.¡± Emerald told her friend. The following day, after Liam told her about what Merly had done to Lucy, she immediately decided to go with him.


    ¡°Liam, are you sure about that?¡± Creep asked worriedly. He didn¡¯t want to see Emerald get disappointed again. They¡¯ve heard of Lucy¡¯s possible whereabouts for years, but when they check, she isn¡¯t there.


    ¡°My friend told me that they¡¯ve checked it thoroughly.¡± Liam replied, ¡°Though I wanted you to do something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I need you to check on the hospital¡¯s security system. Emerald said they checked the CCTV when they found out her nanny was missing, but we can¡¯t be sure about that now. Maybe Merly paid someone to work on that to tamper it.¡±


    ¡°I can do that,¡± Creep replied, concluding their meeting. Emerald will finish everything she can to lessen the workload, but she will be left behind. Creep and Elise will stay in her house so they can look after Ace.


    In two days, Emerald and Liam left, hoping that they would be able to find Lucy. For the past five years, young Morgan hasn¡¯t lost hope that she will be able to see her nanny again. ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Liam asked. Emerald looked at him and nodded with a hesitant smile.


    ¡°I want to find her, Liam. She¡¯s the only family I know before my son, and everyone came into my life.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Liam replied. Their nended, and they went straight to a hotel where they would be staying for a few days and rested for a while before Liam¡¯s friend arrived.


    ¡°Jericho, this is Emerald, Emerald, he¡¯s Jericho. The friend I told you found the man who took your nanny.¡±


    Emerald nodded and shook hands with Jericho. ¡°Nice meeting you, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°You can call me Emerald,¡± young Morgan replied, making Jericho smile. They took their seats, and the man started to tell them everything he found out.


    ¡°After the man took Lucy from the hospital, he brought her to an abandoned warehouse.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but it¡¯s one of the branches of your family¡¯s grocery store,¡± Jericho replied. ¡°It had been closed on your family¡¯s business¡¯ first downfall.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s after I was born. So they didn¡¯t sell it? I thought Dad sold a few of our properties back then, and one of those is the warehouse closer to our branches, which faced bankruptcy.¡±


    ¡°After my investigation, I found out that your mother had an affair with the one who bought it.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald eximed while Jericho took out some photos from an envelope. ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe this. All along, I thought Mom had been loyal to Dad. I don¡¯t even remember her leaving the house without my father.¡± she added as she looked at the photos from years ago until now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too shocked, but your sister knew about it.¡± Emerald shook her head in disbelief. ¡°I already set an appointment to see him. He was selling his house, and I disguised myself as a buyer.¡±


    ¡°When?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°The day after tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Can Ie?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not; he might know you. But I can bring Liam, and you can wait in the car.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, but I want to talk to him personally.¡±


    ¡°Then let me handle that. Wait in the car, and I¡¯ll call you when you cane in.¡± Emerald agreed, and Jericho left to get ready.


    ¡°Thank you so much for this, Liam. You don¡¯t have to do this, but¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­ I¡¯m doing this because I know how much your nanny matters to you. I¡¯ve seen how you try your best to be a better person, and you deserve this.¡± Emerald smiled, thankful God gave her Liam to be her good friend. And thought, if only she wasn¡¯t thinking about Ace, they could take their rtionship to the next level, from friends with benefits to into a rtionship.


    Jace, on the other hand, decided to go to Miami and stay in a hotel. He kept himself busy meeting women, just like Kyle suggested. He tried to get intimate with them, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t. Emerald¡¯s face shes in his mind whenever he starts to kiss any woman.


    It was over a week ago, and Jace went out of his hotel room to the pool area and ordered some drinks. Many women, as usual, were lurking around him, but he just ignored them. He was not in the mood to entertain anyone, especially women. He drank and drank until he was drunk before going back to his hotel room.


    The elevator door opened on his floor, and he was in front of his room when he noticed a couple kissing in the corridor. He chuckled and thought, ¡®Can¡¯t they wait until they enter their room?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know why he stood and watched them until the man carried the woman, making her wrap her legs around the man¡¯s waist and her arms around his neck.


    The light was a bit dim, so the couple¡¯s faces were not clear for him to see, and he was also drunk. He opened his hotel room door and looked at the woman¡¯s face before entering. Just as he got in, he was stunned; sweat started to form on his forehead, and his body trembled. ¡°Is that Emerald?¡± He was nailed to where he was standing for a few minutes until he turned around and opened the door to look at the couple, but they were already gone. ¡®Is that you, Emerald? Or you¡¯re just haunting me? Can youe back? I missed you already.¡¯ he told himself before leaving his room and lying on the couch. A littleter, alcohol and loneliness drag him to sleep.


    ¡°Argh..¡± Jace murmured when he opened his eyes and looked around. He felt like someone was pounding in his head because of the drinks he had the other night. Then he remembered the couple in the corridor and the woman. ¡°no, it can¡¯t be her. She said she loves me, so she will never let another man touch her that way.¡± he voiced out, making himself believe his words.


    He got up from the couch and was on his way to the bathroom when his phone rang. He looked around in search of his cellphone and found it in his back pocket. He took it and looked at the caller before he answered it. ¡°This better be good.¡± he said to the other line.


    ¡°Sir, we found Emerald Morgan.¡± with wide eyes, Jace felt some butterflies in his stomach.


    ¡°Where?¡± he asked while his heart was pounding out of nervousness.


    ¡°She¡¯s in Miami as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Miami?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± the man replied and remembered the intimate couple the other night. ¡®Is it really Emerald?¡¯

 Chapter 20

    Liam and Emerald go back to L. A. after they meet the man and hand him to the custody of the police because of the CCTV footage from the hospital that Creep recovered and sent to them. Young Morgan was happy but at the same time, she was sad since she still had no idea about where Lucy was. ording to Donato, the man who took her nanny from the hospital, after a month of taking care of Lucy, someone took her from him as well.


    Donato said he was ready to take care of Lucy and nned on continuing her medication through Merly by ckmailing her. Right now, he had no idea where Lucy was, and he thought Mrs. Morgan had nothing to do with her disappearance because he continuously got money from her untilst month.


    ¡°We will continue the search for your nanny, Emerald,¡± Creep said.


    ¡°What worries me is that I had no idea who took her. What if they did something to her?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s be positive. I had a feeling that nothing bad had happened to her. It should be on the news if she had been a victim of any crime.¡± Liam said,


    ¡°I will check the police database to see if there are cases with your nanny¡¯s name,¡± Creep added.


    ¡°But the question is, what will you do with your mother?¡± Elise asked, making Emerald¡¯s face hardened and balled her fists when she remembered their faces when she confronted them about her missing nanny. Then, the man with them added fuel to her anger when she remembered how Emerose clung his hands to his arms while he told her he didn¡¯t want to be in the same car with her.


    ¡°I will make them suffer the way my nanny did.¡±


    ¡°And I have news for you.¡± Emerald looked at Daryl curiously. ¡°Your family business is in search of an investor once again.¡± Emerald chuckled after hearing that.


    ¡°That¡¯s because they chose to spend their money on Donato,¡± she replied. Now she gets it; she was never a jinx. ¡°All this time, I thought I was the one who brought misfortune to our family. All along, it was them.¡±


    After their little meeting, Emerald went home, excited to see her son. ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace shouted as soon as he saw her while running after Emerald, whose hands were wide open, ready to hug him.


    ¡°I miss you, sweetheart,¡± she said as she kissed the boy all over his face, making Aceugh.


    ¡°I miss you too, Mommy.¡±


    ¡°Have you been good while I¡¯m away?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°Yes, of course. I never give Nanny Keng any headaches while you¡¯re away.¡± Ace replied proudly. One thing Emerald loves about her son is his obedience. Whatever she told her son, Ace would always listen to her while young Morgan tried to make him understand why he had to follow her. ¡°But I want to know, will you fulfill your promise to bring me to the zoo now that you return?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sweetheart,¡± Emerald replied happily. She always keeps her promise to her son and doesn¡¯t make any promises she can¡¯t fulfill. She always ensured that whatever she told her son was attainable and good for Ace. The little boy jumped for joy after hearing his mother. She had no idea he had been nning everything he wanted to do with Emerald while she was away.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ***


    ¡°What do you mean no one  booked that room?¡± Jace asked angrily. He was talking to the hotel¡¯s receptionist, asking for information about the room where he saw the couple making out.


    ¡°Sir, there were no guests there for two days now.¡± the receptionist replied


    ¡°How about the other rooms? Give me the names of every guest on that floor.¡± Jace insisted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. But we are not allowed to give our guests information. That¡¯spany rules, and I will be left jobless if I do that.¡± The receptionist replied fearfully. She knew who Jace Higginson was and how powerful he was, but she didn¡¯t want to lose her job either. Out of frustration, Jace grabbed his hair and pulled it.


    After hearing the investigator, he rushed out of his hotel room, went to the reception, and had been arguing with the receptionist. ¡®That¡¯s Emerald. I know, it¡¯s her,¡¯ he thought. ¡®I¡¯m so stupid! I should have looked closer.¡¯


    Jace left the reception and went back to his room; he was about to turn the knob when he remembered something. He looked at the corridor to check if there was CCTV, and he smiled when he saw one before rushing to the security room.


    ¡®Fuck,¡¯ he thought as he watched Emerald and Liam making out in the corridor. His fist balled as a rush of heat spread through his body. His muscle tightens as his body bes rigid with pent-up energy, making him want tosh out and explode at any moment. He couldn¡¯t believe the woman he was searching for was looking happy with another man.


    He continued watching even though he was trembling in anger, his eyes watering, feeling betrayed. Although he realized that he was the reason Emerald left, he still couldn¡¯t ept seeing her happily with another man. ¡°Delete that part,¡± he told the security guard who assisted him.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯re not allowed to¡±


    ¡°I said, delete that fucking video!¡± he shouted, clenching his fist.


    ¡°Alright, sir.¡± the security man replied, showing Jace that he already did.


    After that, Jace decided to leave Miami and go back to L. A. since he confirmed that the two had checked out. He wanted to find out where they were going or where they were staying and if they were living together.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be out for a month?¡± Kyle eximed after seeing him in the office. Feeling restless, Jace slumped himself in his office chair and replied,


    ¡°I saw Emerald.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you sure?¡± Kyle asked,


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll joke about this?¡± Jace asked, annoyed as his brows furrowed. ¡°I saw her with my two eyes, and she was with another man.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Kyle asked curiously. He wondered what his friend saw, although he already had an idea judging by the look on Jace¡¯s face.


    ¡°They were making out in a corridor.¡± Young Higginson finally said it while holding his chest because it was hard for him to say it.


    ¡°How did you find her?¡± Jace told Kyle what had happened, and Kyle was speechless. He didn¡¯t know that the unwind he suggested to his friend would only bring him another heartbreak. ¡°What do you n to do?¡±


    ¡°I am going to find her and take her back.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you insane?¡± Kyle eximed, making Jace re at him. ¡°You said it yourself: She looks happy. Why do you need to meddle with her life now?¡±


    ¡°She will be happy with me, she said so herself, she loves me.¡±


    ¡°Loved. Past tense, Jace. She loved you, but how are you sure she still does now?¡±


    ¡°I love her too, Kyle, and I will never forget about her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s two different things, man. She wasn¡¯t happy when she was loving you. You hurt her, betrayed her, and let go of her.¡±


    ¡°Are you my friend?¡± Jace asked angrily when he realized Kyle was negative about what he wanted.


    ¡°I am your friend; that¡¯s why I am telling you this. I didn¡¯t want to see you hurt, and I am telling you, you will suffer more in agony and sorrow once you show up in front of her now that she has already moved on with her life.¡± Kyle said, trying to make some sense to his friend. He didn¡¯t want to see Jace broken again, and he didn¡¯t know if young Higginson would be able to recover from the pain he would suffer if Emerald rejected him.


    ¡°What do you want me to do, Kyle? Let her go? No, I can¡¯t do that. For five years, I felt miserable, missing her. Now that I¡¯ve found her, I¡¯ll do everything to make her mine again.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. But know this: no matter what, I am here.¡± Kyle said in resignation. He knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to change Jace¡¯s mind. He loves Emerald, but only she has loved another man.


    After their heartfelt conversation, Kyle told Jace why he was in his office. ¡°ACEGame had scheduled another meeting. Are you willing toe since you¡¯re back?¡±


    ¡°Alright, when was that?¡±


    ¡°Next week afternoon.¡± Jace nodded and said,


    ¡°I will make sure that I will be able to talk to their boss. They are not going to do to us what they did before. By hook or by crook, we will get that coboration.¡± Jace replied with conviction. Confident that he will have the upper hand.

 Chapter 21

    Emerald and Ace should have gone to the zoo at the weekend, but something came up, forcing Young Morgan to cancel it. She went to thepany but brought her son with her.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked Emerald when they were all seated. Then, I let Ace sit in her office chair and y on his cell phone.


    ¡°There have been a lot ofints in our Mobile Ace sh,¡± Daryl replied. Mobile sh, or MAC, is the very first online game that gives them a fortune. It¡¯s their lucky strike project that led them to be famous.


    ¡°Like what?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°Purchases of items. They said they purchased a certain armor but didn¡¯t receive it.¡± Daryl replied.


    ¡°Bugs, too,¡± Creep added.


    ¡°Why did it happen so early?¡± Young Morgan asked.


    ¡°Are you expecting this?¡± Creep asked.


    ¡°Not this early, but I already made an optimization n. The more users the game has, the more congested it will be. That¡¯s why it needs to be updated regrly.¡±


    ¡°I take it that you¡¯re ready, right?¡± Daryl asked.


    ¡°Of course. And since it¡¯s started, I need to work on it now.¡± Emerald replied. ¡°Creep, see to it that we settle everything with our gamers¡¯ lost items. We can¡¯t ignore that either.¡±


    ¡°Copy that.¡± And Emerald nodded.


    ¡°Uhm, M,¡± Daryl said hesitantly, making Emerald¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°There¡¯s this bank that wants to talk to us.¡±


    ¡°For a security system?¡± she asked, and her assistant nodded. You know, when ites to that, you need to ask Creep¡¯s opinion.¡±


    ¡°He did, and I agreed.¡± Creep chimed in,


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Higginson¡¯s bank,¡± Daryl replied, so Emerald was taken aback.


    ¡°Higginson?¡± She asked, and the two nodded.


    ¡°One of our clients in Europe rmended us to them. Lately, their database has been attacked, so they wanted to add some security to protect their business and client¡¯s personal information.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your take on this?¡± She asked Creep.


    ¡°If you ask me, I want to ept the project. It¡¯s huge. I mean, you know what JHBank is.¡± Emerald nodded in agreement. She knew very well how big the bank was and was sure it would bring them fortune plus their connection. ¡°But I still want to know your side.¡±


    Young Morgan was quiet for a few minutes. She realized that she had somehow been a stumbling block to their growth because Creep and the others always thought about her and her feelings and considered whether their decision would affect her personal life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry; from here onwards, you don¡¯t need to consider my feelings about certain projects.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that,¡± Elise said, but Emerald cut her words off and said, with a smile on her face.


    ¡°I sincerely say this, no hard feelings or whatever. I am a mother; I should grow not just by age, and clinging to my past is not a sign of maturity. Do what¡¯s best for thepany and for the people who also work for us.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, M.¡± they all replied, smiling. After their small meeting, Emerald went to her table and turned on herputer to start working on her update with the game. She promised herself that she would never letints appear on their apps, but for personal reasons, she failed to do what she usually does for the past three years. And that is to check and update all their games.


    Ace was on the couch with his tablet. When Emerald looked at him, she realized that her son was just like her and was happy about it. ¡®He may have his father¡¯s look, but we have the same interest.¡¯ she thought before she continued working. She wanted to finish it before the day ended and hoped she would so she could go on with another work and have fun with the boy the next weekend as promised.


    ***


    ¡°Are you ready, Jace?¡± Kyle asked; they were on their way to ACEGame for their meeting.


    ¡°Yeah, of course,¡± Jace replied. He had been thinking about their meeting for a week, and he was pissed knowing that ACEGame didn¡¯t change their minds about their condition.


    ¡°Are you going to agree to their terms?¡± Kyle asked again.


    ¡°On others, yes. But not when ites to profit distribution and expenses,¡± he replied. He thought that the boss of the game developerpany didn¡¯t want to coborate with them, so they made that ridiculous condition, and he wanted to find out why.


    Again, Daryl weed them as soon as the elevator opened. He was smiling as though he wasn¡¯t going to reject their proposal, but Jace was ready to argue and discuss his terms not with him but with his boss.


    ¡°Good day, Mr. Higginson,¡± Daryl said, motioning them to the meeting room. They all sat down, and a littleter, Creep came in.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Higginson.¡± He said, offering him a handshake, which Jace took. ¡°I believe we have informed you about our terms, and I want to know if you think about it,¡± he started.


    ¡°Can I discuss this with your boss?¡± Young Higginson asked, and Creep smiled,


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid M has a guest, and they were, uhm, talking.¡±


    ¡°Is it more important than our coboration?¡± Kyle asked, getting impatient that he, too, thought thepany had been toying with them.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that. The guest visited for personal reasons.¡± Daryl replied.


    ¡°Whatever we discuss is as good as M¡¯s decision. M and I, along with my wife, started this business.¡± Creep informed them.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°So, I was correct when I thought you liked my proposal. That¡¯s why you discuss this with your boss?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°And your boss didn¡¯t like it?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°No. M agreed. But as you already know, we have our terms. We wanted every game we developed to be on top of the market. This coboration will be risky since it will consume most of M¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°Because you wanted to do all the work. I am offering you help, but you insisted on your terms.¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°We are protecting our workers and our work. We didn¡¯t want  all our efforts to go to waste.¡±


    ¡°And you think I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that. As a businessman and a CEO, you should understand that it¡¯s natural for us to be protective of our assets.¡± Creep replied. ¡°And back to our terms, it didn¡¯t change. So, if you disagree with it, I¡¯m sorry to say that no matter how much we want to coborate with you, it will not materialize.¡±


    ¡°Let me talk to your boss.¡± Jace insisted.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve already said, M is with a guest.¡± Jace held on to his anger and didn¡¯t show it. But deep inside, he was furious as he balled his fist under the table.


    ¡°We won¡¯t have a better understanding of our conditions if we continue doing this,¡± he said as he got up from his seat, and Kyle followed. ¡°Thank you for your time,¡± he said, offering his hand to Creep. They shook hands before they walked their way to the door. Daryl and Creep looked at each other before they followed the two out of the meeting room. But before they could stop Jace, he walked faster to the CEO¡¯s office.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was talking to Liam in her office. She just finished all her optimization and had updated all their apps that needed to be updated. They were talking about Ace until they ended up kissing.


    Liam carried Emerald and had her sit on her office table before she wrapped her legs around his waist and clung her arms around his neck while they kissed. They are unaware of themotion in the meeting room and outside the office.


    Emerald was confident that Jace would never ask for her anymore since she had already been given the authority to Creep to make decisions for the betterment of thepany and their employees. She didn¡¯t want to block thepany¡¯s growth because of her personal dilemma, and she knew that coborating with Jace would be a big step in achieving more for theirpany.


    Just as their body started to heat up because of the torrid kiss Liam and Emerald were sharing, the door swung open, making them look at it and find a stunned Jace looking at them.

 Chapter 22

    Furious and brokenhearted. That¡¯s exactly how Jace feels after seeing Emerald and Liam making out in the office. He was stunned and couldn¡¯t move. His body trembled in anger, and at the same time, feeling so vulnerable seeing how beautiful and alluring his wife looked now. But the thought of a man touching her made his jaw clench and face hardened. He was about to attack Liam, but Kyle, who managed to escape his shock, stopped him.


    ¡°Calm down, Jace,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, he rushed here.¡± Daryl and Creep said in unison.


    ¡°I guess I will have to leave now,¡± Liam told Emerald as he helped her fix herself. ¡°I¡¯ll go back to your house and wait for you there,¡± he added, and young Morgan nodded at him in agreement, smiling.


    ¡°See you after work,¡± she replied before sitting on her chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, M,¡± Creep said as he walked closer.


    ¡°M?¡± Jace and Kyle asked.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s M,¡± Daryl replied,


    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Emerald said, sessfully hiding her nervousness and uneasiness.


    ¡°Here, Mr. Higginson,¡± Creep told Jace, pointing at the chair in front of Emerald. Jace took one while Kyle took the other. Daryl and Creep remain standing.


    ¡°Seeing you here, I take it that you didn¡¯te to an agreement,¡± Emerald said, looking at Jace and Creep.


    ¡°Yes,¡± her friend answered.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, there¡¯s nothing I can do to make this coboration materialize,¡± she said, her eyes not leaving Jace. ¡°Creep and Daryl informed you about our terms, and if you don¡¯t want to agree, there¡¯s nothing I can do. Creep¡¯s decision is as good as mine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± Jace said out of nowhere. He still couldn¡¯t believe that he had finally seen her. After five years of searching, he feels miserable. But now that he found her in the arms of another man, he felt betrayed.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re on the same page.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, do you feel uneasy? I¡¯m just saying what I¡¯m seeing.¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°No. I know I¡¯m beautiful, and you¡¯re not the only one who has said that to me. It was amon ttery I received from people, so I get annoyed when I talk to someone who states the obvious.¡± Emerald said arrogantly. ¡°As for the coboration, why are you here? It¡¯s not going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Jace asked, now with a serious face.


    ¡°Because we have our terms, and you didn¡¯t agree to it.¡±


    ¡°Terms should be agreed on both sides. The same with coboration, we should benefit from it, EQUALLY.¡± Jace replied, stressing thest word.


    ¡°That¡¯s our terms; whether you ept it is up to you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I ept it. How will it benefit me?¡±


    ¡°I guarantee you profit,¡± Emerald replied,


    ¡°Profit, which you will get more while I spend a lot? You get all the benefits, you know that.¡±


    ¡°Then what are your terms?¡± Emerald asked while Creep and Daryl were listening to them. They couldn¡¯t believe that their boss would be able to face her ex-husband just like that. They knew how much she cried every time she would remember her marriage life. If not for Ace, she would have lived a miserable life in the past five years.


    ¡°I¡¯ll agree to all of your terms,¡± Jace said,


    ¡°Jace!¡± Kyle eximed, but young Higginson ignored him.


    ¡°But my people will help you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    ¡°You will be leading the development with my people. You don¡¯t expect me to just spend and give you my money just like that without assurance that the project will go ording to n. I have to protect my assets, just like Creep said earlier. I separate business from personal matters. You¡¯re my wife, but it doesn¡¯t mean I will only say yes to you.¡±


    ¡°I remember signing a divorce paper five years ago, so it¡¯s ex-wife,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°Did you remember attending the court hearing as well?¡± Jace asked, ¡°Divorce won¡¯t proceed if we are not physically present.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? We even got married without leaving our house.¡± Emerald said angrily. She didn¡¯t like the idea that she was still married to Jace, but at the same time, she felt something different, far from anger.


    ¡°That¡¯s two different things. What can I do? My power is insufficient to make the judge process our divorce without you?¡± Emerald balled her fists in frustration while Creep and Daryl were shocked.


    ¡°Creep,¡± Emerald said, giving him herptop to check. Jace and Kyle look confused but understand what was going on after Creep said,


    ¡°You¡¯re still married,¡± Jace smirked, looking at Emerald.


    ¡°So, if I were you, stop seeing that bastard before I put him in prison.¡±


    Emerald chuckled and said, ¡°What made you think I will stop seeing him even if we¡¯re still married? Just because I¡¯m still married to you, I will also stop seeing any man I like.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    For a moment, Jace was speechless, while Creep and Daryl were nervous. They didn¡¯t know that Emerald had the guts to say those words. Although they knew what was happening between her and Liam, they also knew she didn¡¯t love the man.


    ¡°You can try, but I¡¯ll tell you this. I am going to find out who and where that bastard came from, and I will surely do everything in my power to destroy him.¡± Jace said, as his jaw clenched. He didn¡¯t like the fact that Emerald was using his words against him. ¡°If I ever find out that he is staying at your house, God knows what I will do to him,¡± he added angrily.


    ¡°Asshole!¡± Emerald eximed,


    ¡°Call me whatever and however you like. But the fact that you¡¯re still my wife and mine will not change.¡± Jace replied before he got up, and so did Kyle, who was confused about whether they had the deal. ¡°I take it that we had an agreement. Both in our personal issues and in coboration. Kyle will arrange an office you can use in mypany while working on the project and the team at your disposal.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll get 40% of the profit and spend more. Bring your employees here after the contract signing.¡± Emerald said, making Creep and Daryl¡¯s eyes widen. ¡®Is that how much Emerald didn¡¯t want to be with Jace?¡¯ they thought.


    ¡°Oh no, dear wife. The deal is closed. I respect my partners, so we will stick to your terms.¡± Jace replied, smiling.


    ¡°Respect, a big wording from your filthy mouth,¡± Emerald said, ring.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think,¡± Jace said before he looked at Creep and added. ¡°Please prepare the contract. I want the project to start by Monday, and I expect you to report to mypany on Monday morning,¡± he added, then looked at Emerald, who was still ring at him.


    After that, the two left while Kyle looked at Jace with disbelief. Even after they reached theirpany, Kyle still couldn¡¯t believe what had happened. ¡°Come on, spill it out,¡± Jace said as he sat in his chair.


    ¡°Did you just ept their terms?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You heard it right,¡±


    ¡°But why? Is it because of Emerald?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? It was the only way I could see and watch her. I am not going to let that guy get near her.¡±


    ¡°But they will be seeing in her house. Didn¡¯t you hear what the man said?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m deaf? Of course, I heard him!¡± Jace eximed. ¡°That¡¯s why I warned her, so she won¡¯t let it happen.¡±


    ¡°Do you think your words had any effect on her?¡±


    ¡°No. But I¡¯m sure she will not let anything bad happen to that man.¡± Jace replied confidently. He knew that Emerald would fight him with everything. But he also knew his wife was naive and kind, so she would not hurt Liam.


    ¡°Are you thinking that you will be able to win her back for the duration of the project?¡± Kyle asked,


    ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t?¡± Jace looked at him, raising a brow.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not sure. She¡¯s not the same Emerald I knew. Jace, you saw her and that man, how they make out. Do you honestly think that she will ept you?¡± Young Higginson sighed heavily.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried, yes. And I¡¯m not sure either. As you said, she looks differently. But I still want to try. I want to show her that I¡¯m regretful of what I did to her and that I want to make up for her. I will do everything and anything in my power just to have her love back.¡±


    ¡°Then, you better prepare yourself for a lot of pain you might suffer. The road to her heart is not as easy as when you have her. Hold on to your love, and I will support and help you win her back,¡± Kyle said, making Jace smile at him, looking thankful.


    Jace realizes his situation but will endure suffering and hardship if it means having his wife¡¯s love and affection again.


    Meanwhile, in Emerald¡¯s office¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, M. I should have stopped him froming here,¡± Creep said in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I should have faced him from the very beginning. I guess a part of me still can¡¯t move on. Making me feel scared about our meeting. Maybe this is for the best.¡±


    ¡°Should I prepare the contract now, or will we cancel it?¡± Daryl asked.


    ¡°No. Prepare the contract.¡± Creep and Daryl were shocked, looking at each other. ¡°Are you sure?¡± her assistant asked. ¡°You will be taking an office in hispany during the game¡¯s development.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. Nothing to worry about. He won¡¯t be able to do anything to hurt me.¡±


    ¡°We know that; what we mean is, will you befortable? As we confirmed, you¡¯re still married. And what about Liam?¡± It was Creep. Emerald looked at him and sighed heavily. She rested her back on her chair and closed her eyes. Thinking about Liam, who will be waiting in her house.


    ¡°Before this, I considered taking our rtionship to the next level. I want tomit to him, but how will I do that when I am still tied to that bastard?¡±


    ¡°Do you love him? I mean, Liam? If youmit yourself to him, will it be enough? Wouldn¡¯t you only hurt him in the end?¡± Creep asked. Emerald couldn¡¯t answer. After seeing Jace, she felt ufortable. When she heard about them being still married, a part of her felt excited. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t need to hear your answer.¡± Creep continued, making young Morgan look at him.


    ¡°This coboration stops you from making a bad decision,¡± Daryl said, and Emerald thought he might be right.

 Chapter 23

    WARNING!! MATURE CONTENT!!


    In her house, Liam talked to Emerald. ¡°They look the same,¡± Liammented as soon as he saw her approaching the living room where he was.


    ¡°Yeah..¡± Emerald replied as she sat on the couch.¡± Where is he?¡±


    ¡°With his nanny. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be here soon. He always feels your presence.¡± Liam answered, making Emerald smile. And just like what the man said,


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace shouted happily.


    ¡°Hi, baby.¡± Emerald opened her arms for his son and hugged him. She started to worry that Jace would do something when he found out about their son.


    ¡°How¡¯s your work, Mom?¡± Ace asked after sitting on herp.


    ¡°Nothing to worry about. You know how good your Mom is, right?¡± Emerald replied, smiling. She didn¡¯t want him to worry about her either. Her motherly nature is always on high alert when ites to Ace. She didn¡¯t want to be away from him. If only she could bring him to work, she would do it. But she knew she couldn¡¯t.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Being a child once, Emerald didn¡¯t experience as many things as other children. That¡¯s why she ensures Ace can experience them without worry and enjoy his childhood. In her mind, she didn¡¯t want her son to suffer the same fate as she had.


    They had dinner, and Emerald sent Ace to his bedroom and stayed with him until he fell asleep. Only then did she talk to Liam about what happened in the office.


    ¡°It was the first time you saw him?¡± Asked Liam.


    ¡°Yes. And to be honest, I didn¡¯t expect to see him. I was sure that they woulde up with an agreement, but I didn¡¯t know that Creep would insist on my terms.¡± Emerald replied. They were in the mini bar and having a little drink. ¡°Where¡¯s Daryl?¡± she asked when she noticed her friend and assistant were not there.


    ¡°He said he wanted to sleep early. He feels stressed out because of the incident.¡± Liam answered.


    ¡°Liam,¡± Emerald started. ¡°I think we need to stop what is happening between us.¡± Liam looked at her. He knew they had no rtionship other than being friends with benefits. ¡°I mean, we can still be friends. But that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Did his presence affect you that much?¡± the man asked, referring to Jace.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s nothing like that. It¡¯s just that I found out that we¡¯re still married.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Liam eximed, ¡°I thought you¡¯ve signed your divorce papers?¡±


    ¡°I did. But the divorce was never processed. He said the judge needed my presence to proceed.¡±


    ¡°And you believe him?¡±


    ¡°Creep checked it for me, and he confirmed it,¡± Emerald replied before she sipped on her ss of whiskey. ¡°I know that what we were doing is already immoral. Still, it¡¯s different when I know I¡¯m still tied to a marriage.¡±


    ¡°I understand; you don¡¯t need to feel sorry for me,¡± Liam said in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I am feeling sorry; I feel like I owe you an exnation for why. You¡¯ve been nice and kind to me and have been a good friend and a father figure to Ace. I just didn¡¯t want our friendship to end because we are not benefiting from it intimately.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, M. I respect your decision. I didn¡¯t want you to do something you¡¯re against.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Liam.¡±


    ¡°So, am I still allowed to stay here?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Emerald eximed.


    ¡°Your husband was okay with that?¡±


    ¡°He warned me, but I don¡¯t care. We are not the kind of married couple where we have to think about respect for each other.¡± Emerald said, and they continued talking while drinking. They just stopped when she started to feel dizzy and went to her bedroom.


    Emerald bathed to wash the scent of whiskey on her body and feel refreshed before shey on her bed. An hour had passed, but she still couldn¡¯t sleep. She is still thinking about Jace and the first sentence he told her. ¡®You¡¯re beautiful. Why did he say that? Even if I didn¡¯t want to be affected by his ttery, I couldn¡¯t help it. Thankfully, I managed to calm myself.¡¯ she thought. Then she remembers the day she left Jace.


    The time when he took her gently as if savoring every moment they were sharing. She thought that Jace wanted her or he felt something for her like she did.


    ***


    When Jace brought Emerald to his bedroom without breaking their kiss, young Morgan didn¡¯t know how they managed to get on the stairs. She was bewildered, but the way her husband was touching her was making her lose all her inhibitions and forget about everything he did to her.


    They were kissing passionately, and Jace started to undress Emerald before hey her down on his bed. It was the first time Emerald felt his bed¡¯s softness, and she liked it. She started to think that she would be able to experience it again and again because of their intimacy at the moment.


    ¡°Ohh.. Jace..¡± Emerald moaned when young Higginson¡¯s hands started to roam around her body, feeling her softness while they shared an earth-shattering kiss. Young Morgan caressed his face and heard him moaning. She smiled internally, thinking her husband liked what she did.


    ¡°You smell so good, Emerald,¡± Jace murmured. Young Morgan was happy thinking her husband knew who he was with.


    ¡°Jace¡­ Ahh¡­ suck it, please, don¡¯t stop.¡± Emerald pleaded while Jace was sucking one of her nipples as his hand massaged her other breast.


    ¡°Perfect tits,¡± Jace said as he looked at Emerald, who was feeling shy but proud of her body. Although Emerose often told her that she was ugly, she knew that when it came to her body, men would like it. That¡¯s why she always wears baggy clothes so no one will notice them and reserve them for the man she would marry. ¡°You¡¯re fucking sexy, Emerald, and I want you now.¡±


    ¡°Take me, Jace, I¡¯m all yours,¡± she replied before she felt her husband¡¯s hand on her womanhood. His finger slid in between her folds, touching her sensitive little clit. ¡°Ohh.. that felt good..¡± she moaned.


    ¡°You liked it, Emerald?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°Yes..¡± she replied weakly because Jace¡¯s fingers had already yed it. ¡°Ohh.. Jace.. please don¡¯t stop¡­ I want more¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck Emerald, you¡¯re so wet for me..¡± Jace said as he faced Emerald¡¯s pussy. ¡°You¡¯re so pink,¡± he said before he stuck out his tongue and tasted her.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ Jace¡­¡± Emerald arched her back as she grabbed Jace by his hair, pulling him closer to her pussy to do more. ¡°Jace.. More please, I want more..¡±  she continued pleading.


    Jace spread her legs wider, and she didn¡¯tin about it and did what he wanted. The feeling he was giving her was something new to her, and she liked it. Anticipating what her husband would do to her, Emerald held her breath and waited. A loud moan escaped her lips when Jace hardened her tongue and inserted it in her core.


    ¡°Please more, I want more¡­¡± Jace swivels his tongue inside and continues doing it until Emerald cum. Jace got up and looked at her with his lustful eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never tasted anyone like you, Emerald,¡± he said as he unbuttoned his polo, undressed himself, and joined her.


    Emerald pulled him closer and kissed him while Jace¡¯s hand was working on her pussy again. He inserted his finger, making Emerald ufortable, but she ignored it because of the sensual feeling it was giving her.


    ¡°Jace, I want you¡­ I want you inside me, please¡­¡± she said. Jace positioned himself on top of her and then gently rubbed the tip of his dick in her entrance. Emerald knows how big Jace is because she always gives him a blowjob. But it was the first time he would take herpletely, so she felt a little scared. ¡°Ahhh..¡± she screamed when Jace forcefully thrust his dick. He was stunned for a moment. Emerald saw it but vanished afterward, so she thought it was only her imagination. The barrier was already broken, but Jace didn¡¯t move until Emerald adjusted herself.


    Then Jace slowly pulled in and out his dick in her core until she felt something building up in her lower abdomen going in between her legs. She feels that Jace was hitting something inside her that made her wanton.


    ¡°Ohh.. Jace, please do it faster and deeper¡­¡± she said, and that¡¯s what young Higginson did. He thrust himself faster and deeper, and as they both cummed, they screamed their name.


    Jace kissed Emerald without pulling his dick. They just stayed that way while young Higginson carried his weight. Emerald felt it, so she pulled him and deepened their kiss, which led to another lovemaking.


    After three times of cumming together, Jace and Emerald feel tired. They were lying on his bed, panting. But Emerald wanted more, so she looked at Jace and said, ¡°I want you again, Jace. Fuck me, fuck me again and again and again.¡± she said. Jace didn¡¯t disappoint her because he took her repeatedly until they were both tired.


    ***


    ¡®I thought you had changed. I thought that was the beginning of our happy married life, Jace.¡¯ Emerald thought after she reminisced about her first time with her husband. ¡®I never thought that I would be so addicted, and I admit, the reason why I let something happen to me and Liam was because I want to feel what you had made me feel back then.¡¯ she added, thinking before she fell on her slumber.

 Chapter 24

    ¡°Wow, Mommy!¡± Ace eximed as they walked through the amusement park away from the parking lot where they parked their car. It was the weekend, and just as she had promised her son, Emerald brought the boy to enjoy it with his nanny Keng and Liam, who drove for them.


    ¡°Are you that happy?¡± Emerald asked as sheughed. She didn¡¯t know her son would be delighted with a simple amusement park visit. She thought that it was better to go out than see her son in front of hisptop trying to practice how to code.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Ace eximed. He had wanted him and Emerald to go and have fun together, but the boy hesitated to ask her since he knew she was busy with work. ¡°If possible, I want us to spend weekends like this. We will look like a happy family with Daddy Liam,¡± Ace said happily. Still, Emerald was sad, thinking her son was aching for aplete family.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, that¡¯s how kids are these days,¡± Liam told her as he gently patted her back. Emerald nodded and smiled before saying,


    ¡°I know that.¡± Then they continued walking and made Ace the happiest boy as they started taking him on every ride he liked.


    The amusement park was filled with people since it was the weekend, and Emerald expected it to be like that. Families also spent quality time with their kids, and Ace was very happy seeing other kids his age. Although he wasn¡¯t talking to them, the mere fact that he was around other people made him feel like he was on top of the world.


    Emerald understands her son¡¯s excitement. Every day, he would only talk to his nanny, Keng, and spend the day at home or in their garden. Ace is the kind of smart kid who would love to do coding, but he is still a kid who also loves to y like others.


    It was afternoon when Emerald decided to go to a kiosk and buy something to eat. ¡°Liam, I will leave my son to you. I¡¯ll just go and buy something to eat. Don¡¯t leave; I¡¯lle back here.¡±


    ¡°Okay, M,¡± Liam replied, nodding.


    ¡°Daddy Liam, where¡¯s Mom?¡± Ace asks when he returns with his Nanny Keng after they just get down from a carousel.


    ¡°She just bought us something to eat.¡±


    ¡°Can I go to the restroom?¡± the boy asked. Liam didn¡¯t want him to go alone with just his nanny, so he decided toe with them and texted Emerald to let her know where they were.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°Yes, Dad.¡± the boy asked.


    ¡°You should have let mee with you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a big boy now, Dad. You don¡¯t need toe with me in the restroom; what would other kids say if they saw you fixing my pants?¡± Liamughed at what he said. They were outside the restroom, waiting for the nanny, who was also in the restroom. Whenever Ace called him Dad, he couldn¡¯t help but feel they were family. But he knew that he had his father.


    ¡°Nick, what are you looking at?¡± said a woman, making the two look at where it came from. They found an olddy and an old man looking at Ace.


    ¡°Oh, hi.¡± Ace greeted the old man, whom the old woman called Nick.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking at him, Jessica,¡± Nick said, pointing at the boy. Jessica¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°Is she your wife, sir?¡± Ace asked, making Nick nod his head. ¡°And where is your granddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Ace, do you know them?¡± Liam asked,


    ¡°Ace?¡± Jessica asked. ¡°Your name is Ace?¡± Looking confused, the boy nodded.


    ¡°Ahm, excuse me,¡± Liam said and carried the boy. He didn¡¯t like the idea that Jessica was asking about the boy.


    ¡°Dad, I met him in the restroom. He said he was with his family.¡± Ace told Liam.


    ¡°Grandpa! Grandma!¡± A girl¡¯s voice made them look in the other direction; behind her was another woman, and they found a beautiful girl running after Nick and Jessica.


    ¡°Is she your granddaughter?¡± Ace asked. Nick and Jessica nodded, still looking shocked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice meeting you,¡± Liam said, walking away after nanny Keng arrived.


    ¡°Dad, is Mommy done buying our snack?¡± Ace said as he followed Liam, ¡°Oh, goodbye!¡± The boy remembered to say goodbye to the old couple and their granddaughter.


    ¡°You should stop talking to strangers, Ace,¡± Liam told the boy.


    ¡°But the old man seemed nice.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the old man?¡± A question from Emerald made them look her way.


    ¡°Mom, I met an old man in the restroom. He was with his wife and granddaughter.¡± Ace said.


    ¡°Baby, there are many people here, and we don¡¯t know if they are all like us and want to spend time with their families. There might be one of them who would want to harm kids when they found out that they were away from their parents.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom. I promise I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Ace apologized immediately out of worry that Emerald would stop bringing him back to the amusement park.


    Emerald smiled, hugged him, and epted his apology. ¡°As long as you understand my concern, baby,¡± he said. Then, they started eating the snacks she bought them before they got into another ride. It was 5 in the afternoon when they decided to go home.


    ***


    ¡°What is it, Mom?¡± Jace asked as soon as he sat on a couch. He was in the penthouse thinking about how Emerald would be on her first day of work when Jessica called, asking him to have dinner with them in their mansion.


    ¡°Tell us, son. Have you made any woman pregnant?¡± Jessica asked,


    ¡°What?¡± Jace eximed with wide eyes. ¡°What kind of question is that?¡±


    ¡°Just answer the question, Jace,¡± Nick said. He looked serious, and Jace noticed it, so he replied,


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t get any woman pregnant. I¡¯ve never been with any woman after Emerald left.¡±


    ¡°How about before she left? You said so yourself; you¡¯ve been with different women and even showed it to Emerald so she would get hurt. Have you impregnated any of them?¡± Jessica asked again.


    ¡°No!¡± Jace eximed. ¡°I always use protection; what is this about, Mom?¡± Jessica looked at her husband.


    ¡°I told you, maybe the boy just looks like him,¡± Nick told his wife.


    ¡°What? Whose boy?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°How about the boy¡¯s name? His father called him Ace. Is it also a coincidence that their name sounded the same?¡± Jessica asked Nick, who just shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°What is it about, Dad? What boy is Mom talking about?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°Nothing, son. Your Mom was overreacting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not. You, too, were shocked when you saw the boy,¡± Jessica replied, rolling her eyes at her husband.


    ¡°Are you sure about that? With how Mom looks right now, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s anything.¡± Jace said.


    ¡°There¡¯s this boy in the amusement park, and we thought he looked like you,¡± Nick told him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because we thought, Nick. The boy looked the same as Jace when he was 4!¡±


    ¡°But the boy had his father!¡± Nick eximed.


    ¡°Wait, so let me clear things.¡± Jace interrupted them from arguing. ¡°You saw a boy who looked like me when I was a kid in the amusement park, and you¡¯re thinking I was his father?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica replied,


    ¡°But the boy was with his father when you saw him, right?¡± Jace asked again to rify.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°How did you know that the man was his father? Do they look the same?¡± Jace asked again,


    ¡°No.¡± Nick answered, ¡°The boy called him Dad, and I think they were pretty close. I mean, the boy loves his Dad, and so did his father.¡±


    ¡°His mother is not with them?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes, but she went to buy them snacks,¡± Nick answered again,


    ¡°Fathers should buy them snacks,¡± Jacemented, remembering how Nick cared for them when they were young and went out.


    ¡°I met the boy at the restroom, so I think his father decided toe with him. But Ace was very independent.¡± Nick replied.


    ¡°Ace?¡± Jace asked,


    ¡°That¡¯s the boy¡¯s name.¡± Jessica chimed in, making Jace think. ¡®Do I have a son with someone?¡¯ he thought. ¡®Or could it be?¡¯ he added but shook his head.

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Hi, M.¡± Kyle greeted as Emerald exited the elevator.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to call me that way; Emerald is fine.¡± The girl replied. She didn¡¯t want to be acquainted with any of Jace¡¯s employees.


    ¡°But Creep said they call you that way,¡± Kyle said as he motioned her to follow him.


    ¡°They are my friends, and we are close,¡± she replied. Along the way, Emerald noticed a few employees looking at them.


    ¡°I see; then I¡¯ll call you Emerald.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s your office,¡± Kyle said when they stopped in a room with a see-through ss wall and door. It was clean and not too big, and Emerald could see everyone outside, so she liked it.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where is my team?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Everyone outside is at your disposal,¡± Kyle replied. Emerald nodded as she sighed in relief since Jace was not around. But because she was expecting to see him, she felt disappointed but tried not to show it. ¡°You can set up your things before I introduce you to your team. If there¡¯s anything you need, you can tell me.¡± Kyle added.


    Emerald nodded and started to look into theputer that thepany had provided for her while Kyle left her. She has herptop but opted to use thepany¡¯s resources. ¡°Yes, M?¡± Creep asked as he answered her call.


    ¡°I just set up myputer. Can you help me secure it? I didn¡¯t want anyone to have a look at it at any time.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Creep replied, and Emerald started providing him with information to speed up the software instation.


    Just as Emerald ended their call after finishing installing, Jace came in. ¡°Even if I let my office door open, I still expect people to knock beforeing in,¡± she said without looking at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to remember that,¡± Jace replied. ¡°How do you find your office?¡±


    ¡°The Office doesn¡¯t matter to me. I won¡¯t be here for long, so I don¡¯t think I need to have a say on something that is temporary,¡± she replied, looking Jace in the eyes. ¡®He never changes. He¡¯s still as handsome as ever.¡¯ she thought and remembered the night they shared together, making her swallow hard.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± she replied, ¡°What do you need?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I just want to make sure that you¡¯re fine and you settled¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I want to meet the team so we can start and finish the project already.¡± Emerald said, cutting off his words. Jace sighed and replied,


    ¡°It¡¯s not as though you can finish it as soon as you start it.¡±


    ¡°If I can finish it a day earlier than it should be, I would be happy. At least I managed to cut my stay here.¡±


    ¡°Is that how much you didn¡¯t want to do this project?¡± Jace asked angrily. He didn¡¯t like the idea Emerald was trying to imply. ¡°It¡¯s not as though I force you here.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡± Emerald asked, ¡°And no. I like to do projects. What I didn¡¯t like is to feel your presence, how much more, see and talk to you like this?¡± she added, not batting an eye.


    Jace said instead, ignoring Emerald¡¯s hurtful words, ¡°I am going to introduce you to your team; be ready.¡±


    After everything is settled, Jace and Kyle gather everyone around and introduce Emerald. Young Morgan thinks that her team looks reliable, and she can feel their respect for her. She hopes that they will be able to work harmoniously and finish the game without any problems.


    Emerald requested an oval table where her team could discuss the development of their project, which Jace immediately agreed to. After the small meeting, young Higginson left them since he didn¡¯t want to anger Emerald as well.


    In his office, Jace was thinking about his wife and how he would make her fall in love with him again when an unexpected visitor came.


    ¡°Sir, Mr. Morgan wants to talk to you,¡± Nn said as he entered his office.


    ¡°Let him in,¡± he replied before he sat properly. Mr. Morgan had never contacted him for a long time, so he wondered why he paid him a visit.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson,¡± Emerson greeted him as he entered the office. Jace nodded and motioned for him to sit down. ¡°I came here to seek help, Jace.¡± Old Morgan said, making Jace raise his brow. He had invested his money in their grocery business, but he did not check them anymore after Emerald left.


    ¡°What kind of help?¡± Jace asked, even though he had no n of helping them anymore after he remembered what kind of treatment they gave to Emerald.


    ¡°Our business is not doing well, and we need some financial support,¡± Emerson replied, hopeful that Jace would help him.


    ¡°As far as I can remember, the investment I gave you years ago was enough to make your business sustainable,¡± Jace replied. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, and Emerson told him how his family overspend.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I need your help right now. I asked for you two weeks ago, but your assistant said you¡¯ve been on vacation for a month. Good thing I decided to drop by so I don¡¯t need to wait another two weeks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Morgan, but I don¡¯t think I still want to do business with you,¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°You can marry Emerose if you want to, just like when you married that jinx. If you had only asked me, I would have suggested that you marry my eldest daughter since she had been our lucky charm¡±, Emerson said proudly, which annoyed Jace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it was your wife and Emerose are the jinx in your family? Emerald was no longer living with you when I invested, so there¡¯s no way that she¡¯s unlucky.¡± Jace replied, ¡°And what made you think I would want to marry Emerose? I never chose her before, I will never choose her now, and I will never choose her in the future. You¡¯re lucky to have Emerald back then; she¡¯s the main reason I decided to put my money into your business.¡±


    ¡°My family is never a jinx, Mr. Higginson,¡± Emerson said angrily. He didn¡¯t like what Jace was trying to imply. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to help us, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m sure other businessmen would want to invest in mypany.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± Jace replied, smirking. He knew that no matter how much Emerson searched for an investor, no one would dare to help them once they found out that he refused to help him.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was talking to Creep over the phone in her office. ¡°So they were looking for an investor?¡± young Morgan asked.


    ¡°Yes. What do you think?¡± Creep asked.


    ¡°Make sure that we will hold the majority share. Do everything you can to make that happen.¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°Copy that. But are you sure you will be able to save your grocery store?¡± Creep asked, worried about his friend¡¯s decision.


    ¡°The only reason thepany was like that was because of that mother-daughter duo my idiot father tolerated. That¡¯s why I want you to make sure that we have the controlling share so we have all the say in running the store,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay, Daryl and I will work on that. Another thing is that Mr. Jack Higginson wants to talk to us. When are you avable?¡±


    ¡°Set the date and time, but I must go to school to enroll, Ace.¡±


    ¡°How about Friday?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s good.¡± Emerald agreed, and they ended the call.


    Two dayster, Emerald and Ace went to the primary school he would attend. The boy was ready and was feeling excited. He couldn¡¯t wait to go to school and meet new friends.


    ¡°What can you say about the school, baby?¡± Emerald asked as they were on their way out of the preschool. They just talked to the school head, and she was pleased with how they interacted with the kids.


    ¡°I like it, Mommy,¡± Ace replied, making Emerald smile. She was d the boy liked it there because she didn¡¯t want to look for another school since it was already convenient. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to have new friends!¡± the boy added happily.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will have a lot. You¡¯re very kind and sweet, so I know that everyone will like you¡±, Emerald encouraged him. She wanted her son to meet a lot of people his age. She didn¡¯t want him to live the way she did out of insecurity and fear that people wouldn¡¯t like her because of what Emerose had told her. Now, she promised herself that she would motivate her son to learn to associate and interact with other people with respect.


    ¡°I just hope Daddy Liam is with us so he can see my school, too,¡± Ace said when they stopped to wait for the Uber Emerald had booked.


    ¡°Baby, please don¡¯t call Liam that way. You can call him uncle or anything, but not Dad or Daddy.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Ace asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Because he is not your Daddy. What if he likes someone, and then that girl hears you and gets disappointed thinking he has a son and a wife?¡±


    ¡°But Daddy Liam said it was fine.¡±


    ¡°Of course, he won¡¯t tell you it isn¡¯t because he is not seeing someone right now. What I¡¯m trying to say is, when the timees that someone would like him.¡±


    ¡°But I want to have a Daddy.¡± Because of what the boy said, Emerald couldn¡¯t help but think of Jace. She was torn between telling young Higginson about their son or not. She started to feel scared that he wouldn¡¯t ept Ace and the boy would get hurt. She didn¡¯t want her precious son to suffer the same suffering she had been through.


    Before Emerald could reply, their car arrived, and they got in. She needs to send Ace home because she still needs to go to the office for work. Without her knowing, Emerose, who came from the vige beside the school, saw them and was curious.

 Chapter 26

    ¡°Mom, I swear I saw that jinx!¡± Emerose eximed when she informed Merly about what she saw.


    ¡°And you¡¯re telling me that she¡¯s with a boy? As in a kid?¡± Merely asked in disbelief. For years, they tried to look for Emerald but failed. But not because they worried about her after she left Jace¡¯s mansion but because they wanted to know whether she had found Lucy.


    ¡°Are you not going to believe me?¡± Emerose asked.


    ¡°You said they were in a preschool; maybe she worked as a nanny, and her employer asked her to take the boy to school.¡±


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t look like a nanny. She was wearing something expensive.¡± Emerose replied. ¡°What if she already had a family? Do you think it¡¯s time for me to continue seducing Jace?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? Didn¡¯t you hear your Dad the other day when he got home pissed because of that man?¡±


    ¡°But Mom, I like Jace. He¡¯s handsome and rich; what more can I ask for?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to suffer the same fate as that jinx?¡± Merly asked her daughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if he provides me with everything I need. And Mom, do you think I will let myself suffer? I¡¯ll make sure to have another man on the sidelines.¡±


    ¡°Stop your nonsense, Emerose. Don¡¯t humiliate yourself by going to the SoftWare Group.¡± Merely warned her. But Emerose is a stubborn woman who does what she likes.


    The next day, Emerose dressed up well and went to see Jace. Thinking Emerald had a life of her own, she believed that young Morgan would never hinder her n of marrying Jace.


    With her ck halter knee-length dress paired with her ck stiletto, Emerose got out of her car and walked her way to the entrance of the SoftWare Group building. She made her lips extra red, nning to seduce Jace as she decided to get young Higginson at all costs. She was on her way to the elevator but was stopped by a guard.


    ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am. Which department are you going to?¡± Emerose rolled her eyes at the guard and replied.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see that I am using this elevator? Where else do you think I am going? Don¡¯t you know who I am? Do you still want your job?¡± She asked arrogantly. Since the elevator was used for the CEO¡¯s floor, the guard thought she was the daughter of one of the board of directors, so he let her in. ¡°Stupid!¡± Emerose said when she got in, pressed the CEO¡¯s floor button, and waited for the elevator to stop.


    Everyone looked at Emerose as soon as she got out of the elevator. They wondered who she was and why she was there. Jace was very strict about visitors, and they should inform Nn so he could let his boss know.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± Kyle greeted. He decided to meet her before she could go to Jace¡¯s office, which he knew would only annoy his friend. ¡°I never expected to see you here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have any right to visit Jace? You know I alwayse here uninvited, and it¡¯s fine with him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the case now,¡± Kyle replied, smiling. He didn¡¯t want to humiliate her, and he knew that was what would happen to Emerose if she insisted on seeing Jace.


    ¡°Excuse me? You know what, just get out of my way.¡± Emerose said angrily. ¡°I have no time to argue with you. You¡¯re Jace¡¯s friend, so you have no right to tell me whether he would see me.¡±


    ¡°Be my guest,¡± Kyle said, moving aside, motioning his hand to give her way like royalty. Emerose raised a brow at him while she rolled her eyes arrogantly. Kyle followed her to see how his friend would throw her out of his office.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Jace asked as soon as he saw Emerose with Kyle behind her.


    ¡°Hi, Jace.¡± Greeted the woman, who had no idea that the man in front of her wanted to peel her alive.


    ¡°What are you doing, and how did you get here?¡± Asked Jace. As much as possible, he didn¡¯t want to see any of them because he kept remembering every word they said about Emerald, making him angry.


    ¡°I used toe here, remember?¡± Emerose asked before she sat on the chair in front of him.


    ¡°I thought I made myself clear with your father. Is there something you didn¡¯t understand?¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°Jace, you and Emerald had been separated for five years. She left you and came to another man. You know what kind of woman she is; you say so yourself. A bitch and a whore.¡± Jace balled his fist because the woman in front of him made him remember his stupidity, making him want to strangle her to death.


    ¡°You know nothing, Emerose. So, if I were you, leave my office before I forget you¡¯re human.¡± Jace warned, but eldest Morgan didn¡¯t listen and continued talking.


    ¡°Are you still expecting Emerald toe back? She¡¯s not going to do that. I saw her looking happy, but one more thing: you won¡¯t be able to show her off to your business partners and associates since she was working as a nanny.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean working as a nanny?¡± Jace asked curiously. He knew that it was not true because Emerald was now the CEO of ACEGame, with whom he was working. But he was intrigued by what Emerose told her. Kyle, who was listening to them, got curious as well.


    Because of what Jace said, Emerose smirked, thinking she already caught his attention, so he told him what she saw the other day. ¡°Leave now and nevere back,¡± Jace said. Emerose eyes widened, and she couldn¡¯t believe what she just heard.


    ¡°What?¡± she eximed, ¡°After telling you the news about that jinx, this is what you¡¯re going to tell me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jace asked. ¡°Do you still want me to call security and drag you out of my building?¡±


    ¡°How dare you! Yeah, Emerald was right in leaving you. You¡¯re nothing but an asshole!¡± Emerose shouted. Jace trembled in anger because he already knew that. He knew what he did to his wife and wanted to make things right.


    Emerose left his office angrily. She was frustrated that she didn¡¯t get what she wanted and got mad at Emerald. ¡®I am going to find you and make your life miserable, Emerald.¡¯ she thought. ¡®And you, Jace, I am not done with you. I know you have a thing for that jinx, even if you continuously hurt her when you¡¯re still together. Whatever your reason for doing that to her, I will find out about it and use it against you.¡¯Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    In Emerald¡¯s office, she was looking into the characters of the games, and she started to feel furious. As soon as she started working, she asked her team to design the heroes and heroines, and what they gave her didn¡¯t meet her standards simply because of the clothes. She got up from her chair and went outside, where her illustrators were.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± she asked, making everyone look at her, confused.


    ¡°Is there a problem, Ma¡¯am Emerald?¡±


    ¡°Janus, I told you what kind of clothes I want for our heroes and heroines, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. But Sir Jace told us to do that.¡± Janus replied hesitantly.


    ¡°Who are you working for? Who is your direct supervisor?¡± Emerald asked again.


    ¡°You, Ma¡¯am,¡± Janus replied hesitantly.


    ¡°Then why the hell are you following him instead of me?¡± she asked. Emerald wasn¡¯t yelling or shouting. She asked him casually, but poor Janus felt her anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ma¡¯am. It will never happen again,¡± he replied. Emerald sighs as she massages her temple. She knew that he only followed their CEO, and if there was someone she needed to talk to about this, it was Jace.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, too; please continue working,¡± Emerald said, and Janus nodded. ¡°Where¡¯s Jace¡¯s office?¡± she asked, nning to go and see him.


    ¡°One floor down,¡± Janus replied,


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Emerald said and went to the stairs. She didn¡¯t want to use the elevator since it was only one floor. Plus, she needed the courage to confront her husband. ¡®Here I am thinking about my son and whether I would tell that bastard about him. Then, I needed to talk to him about other matters I thought we had already agreed on. Is he for real?¡¯ she thought. ¡®This is only my fourth day here, and this?¡¯


    As soon as she opened the door to the emergency stairs, Emerald sighed a deep breath before searching for Jace¡¯s office. Her eyes were on her, and she wondered who she was. Finally, she found what she was looking for; she knocked before she turned the knob and opened the door only to find her husband with the same woman he was with on her birthday five years ago.

 Chapter 27

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Esther asked as soon as she saw Emerald.


    ¡°I am going toe back when you¡¯re not busy.¡± young Morgan replied instead of answering the woman. ¡®So, you really love her, huh?¡¯ she thought before she turned and was about to close the door, but Jace stopped her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked,


    ¡°I want to discuss something with you,¡± Emerald replied casually. She didn¡¯t want to appear affected by Esther, although something in her wanted to pull her hair.


    ¡°What are you going to discuss with him? No matter what you do, Jace will never like you. He didn¡¯t like you before; he will never like you now and even in the future.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s all yours. I don¡¯t pick up trash I already throw.¡± Emerald replied arrogantly, making Jace clench his jaw. He was hurt, but he ignored her since he knew he was at fault.


    ¡°You can leave now, Esther,¡± he told the woman, causing her eyes to widen. ¡°Now,¡± he added when he noticed that Esther was just looking at him.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the woman replied and started to walk to the door, ring at Emerald, who was raising her brow.


    ¡°Please close the door,¡± Jace said when he saw hering closer,


    ¡°No need, I won¡¯t take lo-¡±


    ¡°Just close the door,¡±  Jace insisted, so she did. ¡°What is it about?¡± he asked when she stood before his table.


    ¡°This.¡±


    ¡°What about that?¡± Jace asked without looking at the folder.


    ¡°You have to look at it to know.¡± Jace took the folder and opened it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with these? They are all beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, seeing women almost naked is beautiful for you, but not for me. I already told you that I don¡¯t like heroes and heroines who look like they were selling their bodies to the gamers.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a game, Emerald!¡± Jace shouted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Emerald shouted back just as Kyle entered the office.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, confused. Looking at the two who were having a staring contest.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear about this, Jace. If you want MY team to be at your will, just say it, and I will leave my office. I will happily sit in my office at ACEGame and wait for you tounch the game yourself.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the trend, Emerald,¡± Jace insisted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow trends, Jace. But I will not be a stumbling block to your dream; I will let you handle the project.¡± Emerald said and turned her back.


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Kyle said, looking at Jace and trying to stop Emerald from leaving. ¡°Can we talk about this first?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Do you have a say in thispany?¡± Emerald asked him instead so he looked at Jace who was massaging his temple. ¡°I thought so.¡± Emerald said, ¡°So if you please, let me go.¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡± Jace chimed in, making the two look at him. ¡°I never thought that you were so childish.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald asked, ¡°I¡¯m not childish!¡±


    ¡°Then what do you call that? We are supposed to talk about our problem, but you want to leave?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we already discuss this from the very beginning?¡±


    ¡°Still, if you are mature enough, you should have asked for a discussion. I just told you what I think and what was trending.¡±


    ¡°Wait, can you two stop already?¡± Kyle said, stopping Emerald from butting in. ¡°We were just starting, and I¡¯m sure it will take months to finish this project. Are you going to act that way until then?¡±


    ¡°Tell that to your boss,¡± Emerald said. ¡°I am going home and will be back on Monday. Think about whether you let me handle this project or not. Either way, it doesn¡¯t matter to me,¡± she added, continuing to turn her back at them.


    ¡°What was that all about, Jace?¡±  Kyle asked after the office door closed.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, what? Why is she angry?¡±


    ¡°Because of this,¡± Jace replied, pointing to the folder on his table. Kyle took it and looked at it.


    ¡°You know that she didn¡¯t like things like this. Why did you have to insist?¡± Kyle asked frustratedly.


    ¡°So she wille to me.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s wrong with wanting to see her?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°At the expense of our work? What if she decides to leave? What are you going to do about it?¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±


    ¡°Because she¡¯s responsible. She will never do anything that she knows will jeopardize her work. We lived under one roof for a year, although I had no idea she was good in this field.¡± Kyle shook his head in disbelief. He didn¡¯t know what he would do to his friend, who aimed to win his wife back while messing up with her.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was on her way to her office to get her bag and went home, but she found her cell phone ringing as soon as she arrived. ¡°Yes, Daryl?¡± she asked,


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯ve been calling you.¡± her assistant replied.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Emerald asked worriedly.


    ¡°I already made an appointment with your father.¡±


    ¡°Really? When?¡±


    ¡°On Saturday.¡±


    ¡°Did you tell him what we want?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He said that he would think about it, but he¡¯s interested. He asked me if I was sure about the investment.¡±


    ¡°And what did you say?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I made it appear hesitant, but I told him about growing the grocery store even more.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Are you going to meet your father?¡±


    ¡°No, let Elise talk to him. She¡¯ll know what to do,¡± Emerald replied, and after a few more instructions, they ended the call. Emerald sat in her chair and started thinking about her family. For a long time, she wanted them to ept and treat her as part of their family. But until she left Jace, no one sided with her. They still thought that she was a jinx when, through her, young Higginson agreed to invest in their business.


    Emerald closed her eyes. She couldn¡¯t help but remember how her father pushed her away when she needed him and how her parents pointed all the me at her whenever something bad happened in their family.


    ***


    It¡¯s your fault!¡± Merly shouted, pointing her finger at the seven-year-old Emerald ying with her doll while crying. She didn¡¯t know what she did when she was in their house doing household chores with her nanny, Lucy. ¡°Because of you, I lost in mahjong!¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Merly, the child has nothing to do with your game,¡± Lucy said. She always took Emerald¡¯s side, and every time she would say something, Merly couldn¡¯t refute it. ¡°Go on, dear. Continue ying; your Mom is tired, so you have to understand her if she gets mad at you, okay?¡±


    Young Emerald nodded in agreement even though she didn¡¯t understand why her mother was always mad at her whenever she was tired, just like her nanny said, but never at her sister. At such a young age, young Morgan learned to always understand others because of her nanny, Lucy.


    There was also an incident when Emerson came home from work drunk. Merly was so angry that she yelled at her husband and kept on saying Emerald¡¯s name was the reason for his drunkenness.


    Emerald didn¡¯t remember her parents buying her anything. Everything she owned was Emerose old things. Thanks to her nanny, she experienced something new whenever Lucy received her sry.


    When Morgan started attending school, Lucy also bought her things. There was an incident when she heard, ¡°You¡¯re going to send Emerald to school, or I am going to the police.¡± Lucy warned Emerson and Merly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten us!¡± Mrs. Morgan said angrily. Young Morgan saw how her mother¡¯s eyes widened as if her eyeballs would pop out. She was hiding behind the open door and got curious about the yelling she heard from her father¡¯s mini-office at home.


    ¡°I am not threatening you. I am telling you that I have evidence and the agreement we signed.¡± Lucy insisted. Emerald didn¡¯t know what they were talking about, but she did understand that it was something bad because of the police. The Morgan couple didn¡¯t say anything until Lucy left the room.


    ***


    ¡®What is it that nanny was holding against them that she could threaten them like that?¡¯ Emerald asked herself after she opened her eyes. ¡®Yes, I need to find out what it was about.¡¯ Then she got up and decided to go home.

 Chapter 28

    Everything was going well with Emerald¡¯spany. They bag the contract with JHBank, thergestmercial bank in the country. Creep and Daryl arranged all necessary meetings and documentation. Emerald was extra happy when Elise managed to get the 60% controlling share of Morgan¡¯s Grocer. Unknown to her family, she¡¯s preparing for her grand entrance into theirpany.


    Another week passed, and Liam informed Emerald that his vacation was over and that he would have to go back to Europe. ¡°I am going to miss you, ou Daddy Liam,¡± Ace said, teary eyes. Emerald just let him say that since her friend was going to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ace. I am going to call you from time to time. I wille back for vacation.¡± Liam said as he tapped the boy on his head, which Ace normally didn¡¯t want adults to do to him.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Ace asked for assurance.


    ¡°Of course! When did I ever lie to you?¡± Ace smiled before hugging Liam. Emerald watched them, and her heart ached, seeing how much her son wanted to have a father. She can¡¯t help but think about Jace.


    ¡®Am I being unfair to my son?¡¯ she asked herself. ¡®I know I want to get revenge for what he did to me, but what about my son? Should I continue my n and deprive my son of the chance to have a father who will love him?¡¯ Emerald shook her head and thought that what mattered to her the most was her son and that she would do anything to make him happy.


    The three spent the whole day together like a family since Liam would leave the next day. They went to an arcade and made sure that Ace enjoyed it. From afar, they look like a happy family, and anyone who sees them would think that way.


    Emerald and Ace sent Liam to the airport with Daryl the following day. They went home afterward since young Morgan wanted to talk to her son.


    ¡°You know that I love you, right?¡± Emerald asked Ace.


    ¡°Yes, Mommy.¡± The boy replied in a low voice. He thought Emerald was mad at him because he still called Liam Daddy.


    ¡°Do you want to meet your father?¡± she asked. The boy looked at Emerald, shocked. It was the first time young Morgan talked to him about meeting his father.


    ¡°But I know it will only hurt you,¡± Ace replied sadly. He wanted to know who his father was, but because of his love for his mother, he decided to find his father¡¯s love for someone he knew had not hurt Emerald. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom, I will only call Daddy Liam that way if it was only us.¡±


    Emerald sighed heavily. After everything that happened to her in the past, she promised herself that she would not let Jace enter her life again unless she showed him how much she had changed and took her revenge.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think about me, baby. You¡¯re the most important person in my life, and I am willing to do anything for you.¡± Emerald said before hugging her son. She was teary-eyed, thinking about how Ace thinks about her feelings more than his.


    All her life, she longed for her family¡¯s love and affection, and then Jace came and thought that he was going to be the one who would fill that void in her heart after marrying him. But that didn¡¯t happen, and she didn¡¯t want her son to suffer the same. ¡°I will try to make things okay with you, I promise.¡±


    The next few weeks have been hectic for Emerald in the SoftWare Group. She knew that their project would take months to finish. Still, she wanted toplete it as soon as possible before she told Jace about their son, hoping he would ept Ace before she told her son about his father to prevent the boy from being disappointed just in case Jace wouldn¡¯t ept him.


    Emerald is in her office checking the final draft of the game¡¯s heroes and heroines when Jacees in. ¡°Can¡¯t you knock?¡± she asked, raising a brow at him.


    ¡°When are you going to tell me?¡± Jace asked angrily.


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald asked as well. But Jace¡¯s face hardened, and he tightened his grip on the edge of her table as if controlling his anger. She didn¡¯t know what he was talking about. For the past weeks, their quarreling has been a constant urrence in thepany. Jace continuously opposes her decision, only to agree in the end.


    ¡°You had no idea, or you didn¡¯t have a n to tell me?¡± Jace asked again.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t tell me what exactly I did wrong, just leave. I don¡¯t want to talk to you, how much more when I see you? You keep bugging and angering me, so if you have nothing good to say, you better leave my office now.¡±


    ¡°Are you still seeing that bastard?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know any bastards other than you, so tell me who you are referring to,¡± Emerald asked angrily.


    ¡°This is myst warning to you, Emerald. Stop seeing that man, or you won¡¯t like what I will do to him.¡± Jace said before he turned and left. Young Morgan was speechless because she had no idea who he was referring to. As far as she knows, Liam left the country, and there was no man close to her other than him. He is also the only man that Jace sees her with.


    Emerald continued her work and left because she needed to be in the ACEGame office. Although she wasmitted to doing the project with Jace, she still didn¡¯t forget her responsibility in her ownpany.


    Creep, Daryl, Elise, and Emerald were in the meeting area of the ACEGame building. ¡°Everything is ready, and you will be introduced on Friday. I already instructed the admin to make the asion simple and not to spend too much.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Elise,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°I also talked to our new suppliers, and the contract signing will take ce the day after tomorrow,¡± Elise informed her. ¡°You are right. They agreed immediately after I told them about the security and the database we can provide them.¡±


    ¡°Of course, every establishment and business wants their business to be protected.¡± Emerald replied, ¡°You will be attending the contract signing as well. I will only show up for the inauguration of the new CEO.¡±


    ¡°M.¡± Daryl said, ¡°As you already know, there has been a dy with the JHBank. Jack Higginson stumbled on a problem and decided to handle it first. But ording to him, it was all settled, and he was ready to continue working with us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°But he wants to talk to the CEO,¡± Creep said.


    ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t you tell him that you¡¯re the one who has the authority and the decision-maker?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    ¡°Yes, and they acknowledge that. But he discovered that you are the CEO and want to discuss other matters.¡± Creep replied.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Young Morgan asked curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you. I don¡¯t see any reason not to see him since Jace already knows who you are. But I also think that it¡¯s unnecessary to talk to you since I was the one who would make the decision.¡±


    ¡°Exactly my point.¡± Emerald agreed.


    ¡°I think it was for personal reasons.¡± Daryl voices out what Creep couldn¡¯t say.


    ¡°Personal reason?¡± Emerald raised a brow.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You know, about you and Jace,¡± Creep said. Emerald sighs and thinks that it¡¯s inevitable.


    ¡°M, I also think that once they find out about Ace, they will be more eager to talk with you,¡± Elise added.


    ¡°Are you saying they might ept my son in their family?¡±


    ¡°Well, Ace is a Higginson. Although he doesn¡¯t carry their name, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s Jace¡¯s son.¡± Elise answered. Emerald looked down, feeling hesitant.


    ¡®Are they going to ept my son?¡¯ she asked herself.


    ¡°M, I think it¡¯s time to tell Jace about your son. He has the right to know.¡± Elise encouraged her. She has been doing that ever since, but Emerald is stubborn and scared for Ace.


    ¡°Ace never asked me about his father after the first time he saw me hurt when he had his tantrums, crying for his Dad. So, he calls Liam Daddy instead.¡±


    ¡°Think about it, M. We know how much you suffer with your husband and family. But since you decided to have Ace, you should give him what he needs. At his age, he needs his father as well.¡± Elise said.


    Because of what her friend told her, she informed them about her n to tell Jace about their son after they finished the project. Before, she had only been thinking about it, but now she has decided to do it. ¡®Yes, it¡¯s for my son.¡¯


    ***


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Jace asked,


    ¡°Yes, man,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Your wife owns 60% of the Morgan¡¯s grocer now.¡±


    ¡°Is she for real? Theirpany is at its lowest; she only wasted her money there!¡± Jace eximed.


    ¡°I think they know about that and think about it thoroughly. Maybe they have a solution for the problem.¡± Kyle replied while Jace was massaging his temple.


    ¡°I¡¯m a businessman, Kyle. I would have invested in them again if I saw some potential. But there¡¯s none. What is that woman thinking?¡±


    ¡°So, are you going to attend? You still have your share there.¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°What else? I had to be by her side even if I didn¡¯t want to. What if Emerson and Merly or even Emerose did something to her?¡± Jace answered, concerned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they will be able to hurt the new Emerald. I mean, you saw her. You talk to her and know how feisty she is now.¡± Kyle said with admiration, but Jace just shook his head. He still wouldn¡¯t let his guard down. He knew what kind of people the Morgans were, so he had better be prepared for what was toe during the inauguration of the new CEO.

 Chapter 29

    ¡°Mommy, you look beautiful,¡± Ace said as he watched Emerald do her makeup. As usual, it was very light since she never changed her preference.


    ¡°Really?¡± Emerald asked happily. She is used to her son¡¯s ttery, and of course, she believes him even though she thinks that he was only saying that because he¡¯s her son.


    ¡°Yes, Mommy. I¡¯ve never seen any mother who matches your beauty.¡± Ace replied, making young Morganugh louder. She faced her son and kneeled to almost level her son¡¯s height and said,


    ¡°You are my son. You know how to make me feel loved and happy.¡± Then she caressed his face and couldn¡¯t help but see Jace in him. No matter where she looked at Ace, Jace¡¯s face quickly appeared in her thoughts. That¡¯s how exactly they look the same. From his jet-ck hair and blue eyes. Even at such a young age, Ace¡¯s chiseled jaw face is considered his best facial feature and matches his cleft chin.


    ¡°I am your son, making me the most handsome kid you will ever know.¡± the boy replied, making them bothugh.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I want to tell you,¡±


    ¡°What is it, Mom?¡± the boy asked curiously.


    ¡°You look exactly like your father,¡± she said, looking intently at the young boy¡¯s eyes. She wanted to know his reaction, but Ace looked stunned.


    ¡°We looked alike?¡± the boy asked, confirming what she had just said, and Emerald nodded in agreement. She didn¡¯t want to deprive her son of simple things that would make him recognize his father at first sight. She wanted to prepare him so he would know what to do or react in the future.


    ¡°I will tell you about him one at a time until I am ready to tell him about you and meet him. Is that okay with you?¡± she asked. Ace¡¯s eyes started to water before he hugged her.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s okay with me, Mommy. As long as you¡¯re ready¡±, the boy replied sincerely. Emerald sensed the happiness in his voice, and that made her feel relieved. She thought she was lucky to have a very understanding son.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s a deal. I promise to let your father know about you and have you two meet.¡±


    ¡°Will he like me?¡± Ace asked worriedly.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°No father would never like a son as understanding, loving, and caring as you, baby,¡± Emerald replied, although she wasn¡¯t sure. She just hoped that Jace would ept him since he could see how their son looked, and she still believed that Ace would be very hard to resist once he got to know him.


    The mother and son ended their conversation since Emerald needed to attend her party. She had waited for this time when she could finally show herself to her family as different from what and how she was. She wants to show her parents that she¡¯s their youngest daughter-the daughter they despise and consider a jinx in their family-before she takes control of the family business they worked hard for and struggled to save for the third time.


    Creep drives for them. His wife, Elise, sits in the passenger seat, and Emerald and Daryl are in the backseat. They arrive at the venue, and they are confident about the event since Elise hired the organizers.


    Emerald went straight to the green room, where important guests stayed during an event for people waiting to be called, while the other three went to the hall to check the program.


    With her back on the couch, Emerald closed her eyes while waiting for Daryl to return and get her. Being alone, she thinks about her life with her family. Until now, she couldn¡¯t believe that she was treated that way, making her doubt her existence. Yes, she was happy it was time to finally show her parents her worth, but she still felt sad that she had to do it.


    As a family, they should help and support each other. But an unanswered question lingering in her head, ¡®Why are they making me feel like an outsider? Why don¡¯t I feel loved? Why do I feel like I don¡¯t belong?¡¯ she thought.


    Young Morgan didn¡¯t know how long she had stayed in the room until she heard the door open. Emerald didn¡¯t bother looking at it since only the four of them knew she was there.


    ¡°Daryl, is time already?¡± she asked. Then she felt a hand gently massaging her shoulders, so she opened her eyes and looked up. ¡°What the!¡± she eximed when she saw Jace¡¯s face looking down on her. She tried to get up, but young Higginson stopped her and pushed her shoulder a bit so she wouldn¡¯t be able to move and said,


    ¡°Rx, Emerald. I am not going to do anything to you.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here? How did you know that I¡¯m here?¡± she asked continuously. As much as possible, she didn¡¯t want to get near him. How much more, feel him? With his hand gently caressing her shoulders now, young Morgan felt tense and sensual.


    Jace stopped what he was doing, but instead of leaving her alone, he went in front of her. Emerald looked up and was about to get up, but young Higginson leaned forward and got support from the armrest of the couch she was sitting on, making her appear caged in between his long and strong arms. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, Mr. Higginson?¡± Emerald asked, rattled. She didn¡¯t like their position because their faces were so close to each other that she could feel him fanning her face with his breath as he breathed. Young Morgan couldn¡¯t help but close her eyes after smelling his breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mrs. Higginson? Do you want me to kiss you?¡± she heard Jace ask, making Emerald open her eyes abruptly and see her husband smirking at her. She felt nostalgic hearing what he had called her.


    ¡°In your dreams,¡± she replied, arrogantly even though she already felt her knees weaken. It was good that she was sitting because if not, she would be on the floor with her wobbly legs.


    Jace smiled after hearing her and said, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve kissed you many times in my dreams.¡± Emerald was speechless and didn¡¯t know how to respond. And before she could think of something to refute, young Higginson continued, ¡°And it will be a dreame true for me if I am going to kiss you now.¡± Then, without a word, he pulled her head gently closer before his lips met hers.


    It was a gentle kiss at first because Emerald was too shocked to react. Then Jace became aggressive and deepened their kiss, making young Morgan feel desired. She kissed him back without realizing she had already gotten up from the couch with her hands around her husband¡¯s neck and Jace¡¯s arms around her waist, never wanting to let her go.


    ¡°It¡¯s really a dreame true,¡± Jace said after their lips separated to catch their breath. Emerald, with wide eyes, tried to push Jace after realizing what she had done, but he was like a wall that she couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± she said in a low andmanding voice. But Jace didn¡¯t move and just looked her in the eyes. He wanted to know whether she wanted him to do what she had said, and he could see fear and, at the same time, anger.


    Jace wanted to take the chance and apologize to her, but the room door opened before he could open his mouth, and Daryl emerged. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll go back,¡± he said,


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Jace was the first to react and let go of Emerald, who was now sighing in relief. She wanted to stay longer in his arms but didn¡¯t want to appear wanton.


    ¡°Is it time?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°Yes, M.¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go,¡± she replied, and she started walking out of the room where Jace was left in deep thought.

 Chapter 30

    Emerald went to the event hall with Daryl and was thinking about Jace. She never expected him to kiss her, and she didn¡¯t expect him to respond either. She shook her head and followed her friend, who stopped before the stage.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all wee the new CEO of Morgan¡¯s Grocer, soon to be ACE¡¯s Family Mart!¡± Elise said, motioning her hand in Emerald¡¯s direction to cue her to get on the stage. Everyone looked at her, and she never missed the gasp from Emerson, Merly, and Emerose Morgan, who were now holding their breath in disbelief, standing before her friend.


    Young Morgan stands in front of them wearing her bare back, off-shoulder emerald green evening dress with a slit in the front that is half of her thigh-high paired with an emerald green stiletto and adorned with jewelry made with pure emerald green crystals. She looked so elegant and beautiful that Jace, standing not too far away, couldn¡¯t help but feast his eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Emerson asked Elise, now giving him a confused look as if she didn¡¯t know what he meant. ¡°Don¡¯t act innocent! I know you know what I am talking about!¡± he eximed. Guests started buzzing in gossip after hearing him. He held a mic beside Elise so everyone heard him loud and clear.


    ¡°Is there a problem, Mr. Morgan?¡± Emerald asked arrogantly. Showing her father that he means nothing to her. But Emerson ignored what she had just called him and asked.


    ¡°You n this? You jinx our business so you can hold on to mypany?¡± Emerson asked angrily. His fists balled as Merly held him by his arm, making Emerald want to smirk because her mother appeared to be a loving wife.


    ¡°What do you mean, n this?¡± Emerald asked in a calm voice. ¡°Thest time I saw you, the grocery store was doing well because of Mr. Higginson¡¯s investment. I left the country and just returned; how can you say I was the one who jinxed your business? Why not ask your wife and daughter if there¡¯s a jinx here?¡± Emerose and Merly¡¯s eyes widened as they looked at Emerson, who was also looking at them, confused.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what she was talking about!¡± Merly eximed, sounding defensive. Emerald smirked because she had already seen the mother and daughter looking nervous, and she was also sure that she already instilled doubt and suspicion in her father¡¯s mind.


    Elise turned the mic off and told everyone, ¡°If anything is going on between you, can you set that aside and continue with the program? We didn¡¯t want these people to feast on your issues.¡± Then she turned and faced the guests again to apologize before she handed the mic to Emerald, who was smirking at her family.


    ¡°I would like to thank everyone who has attended this event. I know that what happened earlier caused everyone confusion. Still, being the new person holding the controlling share of thepany, I want the store to achieve its goal by providing customer satisfaction while adhering to the needs of its workers. I want to give the people working in thepany the experience of living a decent life and providing for their loved ones the life they all deserve. With this, I would like to encourage all patrons and new customers of the store to continue their support and build a wonderful and harmonious working environment for our workers while providing their families the best in life.¡± Emerald said, making everyone p their hands in astonishment.


    Most people would only talk about the goodness of theirpany without thinking about its people. But after they heard Emerald, even the grocery store workers who attended the party started to look forward to her management.


    Whispers about her being a good employer started to escte, and Emerson didn¡¯t like it. But he can¡¯t do anything about it as he already signed a contract with them.


    Jace, who watched the entire event, felt proud of how Emerald had changed over the years. He thought that he was regretful for what he had done to her, but he was also happy that it somehow changed her wife drastically in a good way. Because he tormented her for a year, young Higginson brings out the best in Emerald. He didn¡¯t show up and stayed on the sideline, waiting for anything the Morgan family might do to his wife. But after he was sure that Emerald¡¯s team had left, he too went home, hoping his rtionship with young Morgan still had a chance after the kiss they¡¯ve shared.


    The following day, Emerald went to see Jack Higginson. She decided to talk to and hear him out on whatever he wanted to discuss. Although she already thinks like her friends tell her, she¡¯s still skeptical and ignores the feeling. She also wants to know if there will be a chance for the Higginsons to ept Ace.


    Young Morgan didn¡¯t sleep well the other night thinking about the event. She was happy it ended well, and seeing her family¡¯s reaction was priceless. Then, the thoughts of Jace kissing her, which she responded to, made her eyes open the whole night.


    ¡°Emerald, is it okay if I call you by your name?¡± Jack asked hesitantly. Although he was confident in everything, knowing what his little brother did to her made him feel that way.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mr. Higginson,¡± Emerald replied,


    ¡°You can call me Jack or Big Brother.¡± The eldest Higginson replied, smiling. He wanted her to know he meant no harm and only wanted to talk to her.


    ¡°Jack, it is,¡± young Morgan replied with a stoic face. She wanted to maintain professionalism so the man would not think she was easy to deal with, just in case he thought he could bully her like his younger brother did to her.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Emerald, I don¡¯t know if you remember, but we already met before. Although we didn¡¯t have time to talk because you were in a hurry, I¡¯m sure you already knew who I was.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I know you¡¯re Jace¡¯s brother,¡± she replied casually, and Jack nodded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to fry or meddle with your business with my little brother. But there¡¯s something that you don¡¯t know.¡± Emerald looked at him,  confused. She had no idea what he was talking about and started to think if she would listen to him or not. But since they were already talking and facing each other, even if she didn¡¯t want to, she kept herself silent, waiting for eldest Higginson to continue.


    ¡°Jace did that to you because of me.¡± Emerald¡¯s face hardened after  Jack said that. She looked at him angrily, and he decided to continue. ¡°I tried to take my own life after a certain woman dumped me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that, Mr. Higginson. I came here thinking we would discuss the project ourpanies will start working on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, but I want to tell you why my little brother did what he did.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Higginson,¡±


    ¡°Please, Emerald. I¡¯ve been keeping this to myself and feeling guilty for thest five years. After I saw you leaving his house and found out who you are and what happened, guilt has been eating me every day.¡± Emerald saw sincerity in his eyes, and even if she didn¡¯t want to discuss the past, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    ¡°Alright, what is it?¡± she asked.


    Jack Higginson nodded and started telling her what had happened to him, resulting in Jace taking revenge on her. ¡°He loves you, Emerald. But because of me, he set aside his feelings and happiness.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t love me, Mr. Higginson.¡±


    ¡°He does. I know what he did is unforgivable. But still, I want you to know that he loves you. He told me and our parents everything he did to you, and whether you believe it or not, he didn¡¯t look happy when he said he had finally avenged me.¡±


    ¡°Did you think that after telling me this, I would easily forgive him?¡±


    ¡°No. You have every right to get mad at him or even take revenge. He misunderstands everything, and I think he deserves it as well. You know, I like you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald eximed with wide eyes.


    ¡°Before you think of other things. I like you as a person, as my sister-inw. I am happily married with a beautiful daughter.¡± Emerald sighs in relief. She didn¡¯t want to get herself entangled in either Jace or Jack. She already thinks her husband is too much for her to handle, and an additional Higginson will be bothersome.

 Chapter 31

    ¡°You should have not talked to her!¡± Jace shouted.


    ¡°I just want to help you,¡± Jack replied calmly. He knew that by talking to Emerald, his little brother would get mad at him. He informed him about it beforehand, but Jace told him not to. He didn¡¯t want his wife to think he was trying to gain support from other people.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. I wanted to tell her everything myself. I want to apologize to her personally, and I want her to see my sincerity as much as possible.¡± Jace replied, ¡°Still, what did she say? How did she react?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. She asks me if I expect to forgive just because I told her everything.¡±


    ¡°And what did you reply?¡±


    ¡°I said no. She can take her revenge and make things hard for you since you deserve it for being an idiot for not doing a proper investigation before you execute your n and meddling with my own business.¡± Jace¡¯s eyes widened because he couldn¡¯t see anything that showed his brother had helped him.


    ¡°What the¡± he said, making Jackugh because of how his little brother looked.


    ¡°Stop teasing him, love,¡± Eunice said.


    ¡°Listen to your wife,¡± Jessica replied before she looked at her youngest son and said, ¡°Since you and Emerald were working together, see to it that you will win her back. She looks nice and very beautiful. I already imagine what your future kids will look like.¡± The Higginson matriarch added dreamily, ¡°I wish you had a kid with her so she will have no choice but to return to you for the sake of your kids.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Jace eximed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound good.¡±


    ¡°I know, but what else can I do? I like her. I wish she was the mother of the boy we saw in the amusement park.¡± Jessica replied, silencing her youngest son.


    ¡°What is it, Jace?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re thinking the same thing? I saw his father and could tell they loved each other. So you better stop thinking whatever that¡¯s in your mind.¡± The eldest Higginson warned him because he didn¡¯t want to see his younger brother getting hurt again.


    Jessica, who had the thought, suddenly looked at Jace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, son. It¡¯s just a slip of the tongue, feeling frustrated from wanting to have your wife back.¡±


    ¡°Jace, we won¡¯t meddle with your personal life. But remember that we are here if you ever need anything. Do what you think is right to win your wife back, and we¡¯re here to support you.¡± Nick, who was just listening to them, said.


    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± Young Higginson replied.


    ***


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that Jace mistook you for someone else?¡± Creep asked, and Emerald nodded after she told her friends what Jack had told her. They were in her office in ACEGame. She went there to check on something before she reported to SoftWare Group.


    ¡°And Jack also told you that he has a friend who was also looking for a woman, and you¡¯re his only lead. That¡¯s why he wrote your name on paper, making Jace assume you¡¯re the Emerald who dumped his brother¡±. It was Daryl, and again, Emerald nodded.


    ¡°Who¡¯s looking after who?¡± Elise asked, confused. ¡°I mean, who is Jack¡¯s friend looking for? Do you have any idea?¡± she added.


    ¡°I had no idea. I told him that as well. I never left the mansion; if I do, I don¡¯t talk to anyone. I was worried that people would only bully me and think that I am ugly, just like what Emerose told me.¡± Emerald replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask him about his friend when we see each other again.¡± she added.


    ¡°You¡¯re nning to see him again?¡± Elise asked, teasing.


    ¡°Stop it. We already met, and with the flow of our conversation, I think he¡¯s a nice guy. Another thing is, he¡¯s married.¡±


    ¡°I am not saying that you like him. What I¡¯m trying to imply is that¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to say. It¡¯s not as though they lived together. Jace has his own house, and so does Jack. So there¡¯s no way I will meet Jace if we decide to meet again.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± Elise replied, wiggling her brows with a mischievous smile. Emerald shook her head because she knew how her friend teased her.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m done here, I need to go to SoftWare Group if I don¡¯t want Jace to say anything against me and ourpany.¡± Young Morgan got up and left. She trusted her friends to look after their business, and she was confident that they would not ck off even if she was in Jace¡¯spany.


    ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am Emerald.¡± one of the illustrators greeted her. She had just entered her office in the Software Group and was ready to work.


    ¡°Hi, is there anything you need?¡± Young Morgan asked, smiling.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the final draft for the heroes and heroines. I want you to see it before I submit it to Sir Jace.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will get back to you once I¡¯ve checked this.¡± She took the folder before the woman left her office.


    Emerald sat in her chair and started to look into the designs. Her lips curled into a smile when she saw how beautiful the drafts were. She was satisfied and felt relieved that after so many weeks, they had already finalized them.


    She turned on herputer and started coding. After reading the project¡¯s storyline, Emerald was inspired to do it. She knew instantly that gamers would definitely like it. She was engrossed with her work when her phone rang. ¡°Hello, Keng,¡± she said, thinking it was her son¡¯s nanny.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± the boy replied.


    ¡°Why are you holding your nanny¡¯s phone?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I identally slipped my phone in the toilet bowl, and it won¡¯t open.¡± the boy answered hesitantly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯d get mad at me since I didn¡¯t take care of the things you gave me, so I asked Nanny Keng if I could borrow her phone and call you.¡±


    ¡°How did it happen?¡± Emerald asked again. Although disappointed, she didn¡¯t want to overreact and scare her son.


    ¡°I identally ran into something on my phone, and I couldn¡¯t get my eyes off it, so when I felt the call of nature, I brought it to the restroom.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you ran into something on your phone?¡± Emerald asked curiously. ¡°Are you by any chance looking into some inappropriate videos or games unsuitable for kids?¡± young Morgan asked with a hint of strictness.


    ¡°No!¡± the boy eximed, ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°I identally pressed something, and then numbers appeared, and I kinda liked it.¡± Emerald sighs in relief. Sometimes, her son does something to his phone or tablet and sometimes to hisputer, and it¡¯s all about coding.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So. your phone doesn¡¯t open now?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, mommy.¡± the boy answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay; I will look into it and try to fix it. For now, don¡¯t do anything and just let it dry.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mom. I¡¯m sorry for my recklessness.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, baby,¡± Emerald replied exactly when she looked up and found Jace on her office door. His face was dim and hardened. ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m going to be very busy, so I will call youter, okay?¡± she said, not leaving her eyes on her husband.


    ¡°Okay, Mom. I love you.¡± Ace replied,


    ¡°I love you too, baby,¡± Emerald replied before she ended their call and put her cell phone in her pocket.


    ¡°Baby?¡± Jace asked, ¡°I don¡¯t remember you calling me with endearment before.¡±


    ¡°Why would I call you with endearment?¡± Emerald asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you love me?¡± Jace asked as he walked closer. Emerald¡¯s heart beat faster, and she didn¡¯t know how she would be able to control it. Then she remembered what Jack told him about Jace loving him and how hard it was for him when she was gone. ¡°You said you love me then, but you never called me baby or sweetheart or anything,¡± he added.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Emerald asked instead. She didn¡¯t want to answer him since she only wanted to call him by name. And that has never changed until now.


    ¡°Is it that bastard?¡± Jace continued, and his question hurt her. She wanted to say yes because he had thrown her away, making her give birth to their son and grow up without his father. But she held on to her emotions. She didn¡¯t want to reveal to her husband about Ace yet.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. If you have any concerns regarding the project, you can say so. If there¡¯s nothing, leave.¡±


    ¡°We are still married, Emerald. You are still my wife, and I am your husband. I will not let you continue your rtionship with whoever that man is. And this is going to be myst warning to you. The next time I hear you call him or get intimate with him, I am going to do everything to destroy him.¡± Jace said angrily.


    ¡°You have no control over my personal life, Mr. Higginson. Whatever I do outside yourpany is none of your damn business. I didn¡¯t agree with this project, so you could look after my love life.¡± Emerald replied, which angered Jace even more. ¡°Since we are still married because you didn¡¯t file our divorce, let me tell you this: our divorce paper will be waiting for you at your office tomorrow morning. So, make sure that you sign them. I¡¯m sure it will be easy for you since I won¡¯t be able to get anything¡±, she added. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I still need to do my job. If there¡¯s nothing else you need, you can leave.¡±

 Chapter 32

    Jace was so pissed at Emerald after hearing her saying I love you too to whomever he thought she called baby. He was so jealous, and even though he wanted to show her how angry he was, he tried to control himself because he knew he was at fault and thought he needed to be patient with her.


    The following day, he didn¡¯t go to his office for fear that the divorce papers would be waiting for him on his desk, just like Emerald had told him. He called Kyle instead and asked him to bring everything he needed to do in his penthouse so he could work.


    ¡°Why are you working here?¡± Kyle asked curiously. As far as he knows, Jace doesn¡¯t like working in his penthouse. He wanted to be in his office so anyone could contact him for any problem.


    ¡°I just feel like working here,¡± Jace replied, making Kyle shake his head.


    ¡°I knew there¡¯s a reason for it.¡± he insisted.


    ¡°Are these all that need my attention?¡± Young Higginson asked again. Although he tried to avoid it, he still thought the divorce papers would be included in the documents his friend would bring him.


    ¡°Is there anything in particr that you are looking for?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just want to make sure that this is all,¡± Jace answered and started to read the documents in the folder he was holding.


    ¡°Oh, before I forget, Emerald asked for a leave,¡± Jace asked as his eyes flew to Kyle, sitting on the couch before him. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that; I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    ¡°Then why did she apply for a leave?¡±


    ¡°She said it was an emergency. But she told me to call her if something happened or if she¡¯s needed.¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Don¡¯t be too hopeful because she strictly said that it has to be important because she will be going to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jace eximed and couldn¡¯t help but worry for his wife. ¡°Which hospital?¡± he asked, reaching for his phone, nning to call his wife.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say, please put it down. She doesn¡¯t need you there because if she did, she would have called you.¡± stopping him from dialing his phone.


    ¡°Who was hospitalized?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say either.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know anything?¡± Jace asked, annoyed. He started to worry about Emerald, and he was angry, knowing he couldn¡¯t do anything and didn¡¯t know anything.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her because she doesn¡¯t care about you either,¡± Kyle replied. He liked what he was seeing. He knew that Jace was already pissed at him and the fact that his beloved wife was in the hospital, but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    ¡°You know what? Why don¡¯t you go back to your work instead and leave me alone?¡± Jace asked angrily, so Kyle left him.


    Once he was alone, Jace couldn¡¯t concentrate on his work. His mind was on Emerald and how she was. He couldn¡¯t help but think about who was in the hospital and why she would need to be there if she was fine. Because he wanted to know the answer to his question, young Higginson picked up his phone and called Creep.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Higginson?¡±


    ¡°Creep, I wonder why Emerald is not in mypany now,¡± he said,


    ¡°I thought she already informed Kyle about it. But anyway, she¡¯s in the hospital right now.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I am not in the position to tell you about it. If you want to know, you can ask her when she returns to work.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want any dy in the project¡± Jace said, but Creep cut off his words.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, Emerald is a very responsible person. She will get back to work when everything¡¯s okay, and she will not let herself be the reason for any dys. She had herptop, so I¡¯m sure she¡¯s still working as we speak.¡± Creep said confidently and ended their call.


    Meanwhile, Emerald is in the hospital room attending to her son, who suffers from an allergic reaction. She has been careful with his food and has informed nanny Keng about it. However, the cook is unaware of his condition and has added some seafood to their meals.


    ¡°Doctor,¡± Emerald greeted.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, see that you check everything the boy takes. It was good that he had been sent here, so we gave him immediate medication.¡±


    ¡°I was careful, but I guess I¡¯m still careless since I failed to inform our cook.¡±


    ¡°There are a lot of factors that may trigger his allergies, so see to it that you are watching him closely. He¡¯s just a boy, so his immune system is not as good as an adult¡¯s and could get affected easily.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Emerald replied before the doctor gave her some prescriptions for Ace and left the hospital after he was discharged. Until they left the hospital, Emerald was unaware of the pair of eyes that were fixated on her.


    ***


    ¡°Cedrik, are you still there?¡± asked the man over the phone.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Landers.¡±


    ¡°Why are you not talking? Did you get any news?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital to check on the report that I received, but I think I found something else,¡± Cedrik replied,


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I think I saw someone I know, but I don¡¯t know who or where I saw her.¡±


    ¡°A woman? Are you, by any chance, flirting right now?¡± Mr. Landers asked angrily.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Cedrik eximed, already picturing what the man he was talking to looked like. Then his eyes widened. ¡°Mr. Landers, I think I know where I saw her now.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°The woman I just saw. I thought she looked familiar, but I realized she looked somewhat like you.¡±


    ¡°What? What are you talking about? I told you to look for Ember and not some random woman!¡± Mr. Landers shouted.


    ¡°But the woman looks like you.¡± Cedrik insisted.


    ¡°Show me her picture.¡± Mr. Landers told him.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t manage to take her photos since I was talking to you,¡± Cedrik replied.


    ¡°Next time you report something to me, ensure you have all the necessary information and documents to support it.¡± Mr. Landers replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Landers,¡± Cedrik replied. However, they were close; he still didn¡¯t want to argue with him since he knew how much he had been suffering from missing the woman he loved. They ended the call and decided to find out about the woman he saw, who was none other than Emerald. He had a feeling that he would be able to discover something.


    ***


    Two dayster, Jace was busy in his penthouse thinking about the divorce that Emerald had told him. He didn¡¯t want it, so he started to think about ways he could stop her from filing it. Although he had a feeling that his wife still felt something for him, the fact that he hurt her and she was angry with him, he couldn¡¯t let his guard down and rx. But first, he needed to confirm Emerald¡¯s feelings for him.


    Jace grabbed his phone from the center table and called Kyle. ¡°What is it?¡± his friend asked.


    ¡°If ever Emerald needs something from me, tell her toe up here.¡± young Higginson said.


    ¡°Why? What are you nning to do? Jace, I¡¯m telling you, Emerald is doing well and has a good working rtionship with the others, so don¡¯t ruin it.¡± Kyle warned. Although he knew that Jace still loved young Morgan, he also knew she was ufortable around his friend.


    ¡°Just tell her what I told you,¡± Jace replied impatiently. ¡°Do you think that I am going to jeopardize our ownpany¡¯s project?¡±


    ¡°You even neglected yourpany when Emerald left. How much more than a single project?¡± Kyle reminded him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°It¡¯s different then. Now, my rtionship with Emerald will not affect my work.¡±


    ¡°Tell me what you n to do first.¡± Kyle insisted.


    ¡°Just do it,¡±


    ¡°Tell me first.¡± Jace was so annoyed that he would have punched Kyle if they were facing each other.


    ¡°I need to talk to her about our divorce.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re divorcing her?¡± Kyle asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Jace eximed, ¡°But she¡¯s nning to divorce me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sucks.¡±


    ¡°So you better do as I say. I need to talk to her and exin my side. I can¡¯t let her file our divorce. Do you get that?¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine. You know that you¡¯re not just a friend to me but also a brother. Of course, I only want your happiness.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man,¡± Jace replied,


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle said, and they ended the call. Jace leaned back as he put his phone down. He had to know what his wife really wanted so he could n his move. He didn¡¯t like seeing his wife with another man, which pained him, knowing she was ready to divorce him.


    He was in deep thought when he heard his penthouse door open. He didn¡¯t bother to move, thinking it was Emerald, and pretended to be asleep. He abruptly opened his eyes when someone sat on hisp and kissed him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Jace eximed. Esther smiled at him seductively as she caressed his chest after she let go of his lips.


    ¡°I miss you so much, Jace. It¡¯s been years; don¡¯t tell me you still like that ugly duckling wife of yours.¡± Esther said as her fingers yed on young Higginson¡¯s lips before she kissed him again. The scene that Emerald witnessed as soon as she opened the door.

 Chapter 33

    ¡®That bastard! How dare he kiss me that night and now this? He let me see him making out again with his bitch!¡¯ Emerald eximed internally. She couldn¡¯t yell at her husband or show him how angry she was because she already told him that she was going to divorce him.


    ¡°Emerald!¡± Jace eximed when he saw her.


    ¡°Are you that thick-skinned toe up here?¡± Esther shouted. ¡°Are you not over Jace yet? He told you before that he doesn¡¯t love you, and you¡¯re just his wife on paper, but I am the one he loves!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Esther!¡± Jace shouted, ring at the woman whose eyes widened in disbelief. Even then, she knew that young Higginson had a thing for Emerald; she hoped he would forget about her, especially after young Morgan left.


    ¡°Are you for real?¡± Esther asked Jace.


    ¡°Just leave, you¡¯re not needed here.¡± Young Higginson replied, giving Esther a warning look.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine. I cane back,¡± Emerald said before she turned her back on them, but Jace was fast enough to stop her by her arm.


    ¡°Stay,¡± Jace said, looking at Emerald before he turned his gaze to Esther. ¡°Leave now, or I will call the security?¡± he warned. The woman balled her fists furiously. She never thought that Jace would do that to her. Although she knew he didn¡¯t feel anything towards her anymore, Jace never treated her that way until that moment. And she was pissed because he did it in front of Emerald.


    Esther started marching out of the penthouse but never forgot to re at Emerald, who was raising a brow. ¡°When are you going to let go of my arm?¡± young Morgan asked when Esther was totally out of their sight.


    Jace sighed and said, ¡°Sit down.¡± Emerald epted the offer since she didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it. She was there to discuss their project¡¯s development, and she also needed his input. But before she could sit on the single-seater couch, young Higginson pulled her to the other side where he was sitting before she came.


    ¡°Are you nuts?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You want me to sit there? No, that bitch just sat there.¡±


    ¡°Emerald, we¡¯re here to discuss the project and not to fuck. So spare me with your antics.¡± Jace replied as if it was nothing. Although he didn¡¯t do anything wrong and had nothing to do with what Esther did, he still knew that she had caught them in an awkward situation, so she didn¡¯t want her to get mad at him even more.


    ¡°Antics?¡± Emerald eximed with wide eyes as she rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Whatever you do with your life, I don¡¯t care! Just don¡¯t make mee here just to watch your immorality!¡± Jace looked at her in disbelief.


    ¡°How the hell are we talking about morals now? I was just asking you to sit on that fucking couch so we will be able to discuss this properly.¡± Seeing how pissed Jace was, Emerald didn¡¯t say more and walked her way to the couch where she had seen her husband and Esther earlier. She didn¡¯t want young Higginson to think she was affected by the scene she just witnessed.


    On the other hand, Jace didn¡¯t say more and followed young Morgan. They sat together and started to discuss the problem that Emerald stumbled upon. ¡°I¡¯m going to check yourputer,¡± Young Higginson said.


    ¡°It¡¯s in my office.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Jace replied, typing on hisptop. ¡°Give me the authority to look at yourputer,¡± he said, showing her the screen.


    ¡°Are you trying to hack it?¡±


    ¡°I said, I need to have a look.¡± Jace corrected her. Thinking theputer belonged to Jace and it was their project that would be at risk and not hers, Emerald keyed in her password.


    ¡°What the¡± Jace said angrily and red at Emerald.


    ¡°Did you just look at my password?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? You type your password before me and ask me that?¡± Jace asked and shook his head. He couldn¡¯t believe his wife¡¯s password. ¡®I don¡¯t love you bastard! Just what kind of password was that? Does she think I won¡¯t be able to understand it?¡¯


    Emerald shut her mouth since she knew that she already sent Jace her message using her password. She knew her husband was not an idiot, not to understand what she meant. On the other hand, Jace just did his job and worked on Emerald¡¯sputer through hisptop.


    ¡°This way, it will be easy for you to code.¡± Said Jace, looking at theptop screen before averting his gaze to Emerald, who was stunned to see him at work. She thought he looked so handsome, making her mesmerized. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± young Higginson asked, smirking. ¡°I know I am handsome. I should be so I can match your beauty.¡± he continued, making young Morgan¡¯s heart flutter.


    ¡°Nothing matches my beauty.¡± She rebutted and got up. ¡°Since we¡¯re done here, I am returning to my office.¡±


    ¡°Are you scared to be left alone with me?¡± Jace asked,


    ¡°Why would I, and what made you think that I am scared to be alone with you?¡± Emerald asked arrogantly. Although her heart was still beating fast because of what Jace had just said, she still didn¡¯t want him to know that she was really affected.


    Jace got closer to her, and to prove she wasn¡¯t scared of him, Emerald didn¡¯t move an inch even though their faces were so close to each other that she could smell his breath when he answered, ¡°I can see it in your eyes, Emerald. You try to distance yourself from me because you feel uneasy.¡± His voice sounds seductive, and their close proximity weakens young Morgan¡¯s knees.


    Emerald swallowed hard and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be in the same ce with you, not because I feel uneasy. I didn¡¯t want to see your face that reminded me of how miserable my life was when we were together.¡± Their eyes were locked as Jace felt sad. He couldn¡¯t say anything and couldn¡¯t even stop Emerald when she started walking away.


    ¡°What about this folder?¡± Jace asked when he noticed that Emerald left it on the center table.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s for you,¡± she replied, turned her back to him, and went to the door. Jace took the folder, which he threw immediately after seeing what was inside.


    ¡®Fucking divorce papers.¡¯ he thought angrily. He had note to his office because he didn¡¯t want to see it. But now he was furious after Emerald brought it to him in person. Jace slumped back on the couch before closing his eyes, massaging his head, and grabbing his hair with both hands. ¡®Shit, Emerald. What do I need to do for you to forgive me?¡¯


    Emerald left the penthouse and went back to her office to continue working. She tried her best not to think about Jace, whom she thought was furious because of the folder she had left him. Although she decided to introduce young Higginson to their son, she still wanted a divorce because she didn¡¯t know if she could stop herself from falling in love with him again if they were always close.


    It was almost 4 in the afternoon when young Morgan received a message from Liam.


    Liam: Are you free to talk?


    Emerald: Yeah, why? Is there a problem?


    Liam: No,


    Emerald: Then why? Did something happen?


    Liam: I just miss you and Ace.


    Emerald sighed heavily. Although they agreed to be friends, she¡¯s not dense enough not to know Liam¡¯s feelings for her. Now, more than ever, she regrets having a friend-with-benefits rtionship with him. She didn¡¯t want them to be strangers because they couldn¡¯t be together. And she knew it was not because she was still married to Jace, but because she didn¡¯t feel anything towards him other than lust. A feeling that should be strange to her, but because of what Jace made her experience before she left, she couldn¡¯t stop looking for that feeling and found it to Liam. To be fair to the man, she was satisfied with him but didn¡¯t love him.


    Jace touches, haunting her. Whenever something happened to her and Liam, Emerald would think about how her husband pleasures her, making her want to be more wanton. And after Jace kissed her, she doesn¡¯t think she will still want Liam to touch her.


    Liam: Hey, are you still there?


    Emerald: Sorry, yes. I¡¯m still here.


    Liam: Alright, I thought you ran out of battery.


    Emerald: No, I just checked on myputer.


    Liam: Anyway, I found out that someone other than you was looking for your nanny as well, so I¡¯m contacting you.


    Emerald: What?N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    She didn¡¯t feel content with texting, so she called Liam, and the man answered on the first ring. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°Yes, but I don¡¯t have any idea who he was. I just met someone who was hired to look for your nanny. And you wouldn¡¯t believe my next news.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Young Morgan asked nervously.


    ¡°Your nanny¡¯s real name is Ember Ferguson. The only daughter of the CEO of the Ferguson Tel in Italy.¡± Emerald¡¯s mouth hangs open, thinking whether she would believe Liam. She spent all her life with her nanny and doesn¡¯t remember Lucy leaving her alone.


    ¡®What was going on?¡¯ she asked herself.

 Chapter 34

    Emerald was lost for words. For days, she had been thinking about her nanny, Lucy, and the news that Liam had told her. She can¡¯tprehend everything in one go out of confusion. ¡®Does Dad know about it?¡¯ she asked herself before she shook her head and thought, ¡®No, if he knew, he would never have let nanny Lucy leave our mansion. When ites to money, he¡¯s greedy and would want everyone he can use to be at his side.¡¯


    ¡°If you are not going to work, why not just go home?¡± The voice of the man that she didn¡¯t want to see or think about said, making her re at him. ¡°I had been standing here for minutes. You¡¯re looking at me but never saw me. What do you think I will think when I was the one who was paying you to work?¡± Jace continued as he walked closer to her table.


    ¡°You know what, I think you¡¯re right,¡± Emerald replied and got up.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Jace asked, confused.


    ¡°Home. I would rather stay there than see your face,¡± she replied. Jace¡¯s face hardened. He didn¡¯t like what she said, and even though he knew she was still angry at him, he didn¡¯t want her to say such things to him.


    ¡°And then what, talk to your friend that you are having sex with?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s any of your business.¡± Because of what she said, Jace grabbed her arm and pulled her closer to him.


    ¡°No matter what, don¡¯t let me see you with that bastard. You¡¯re still my wife, and I don¡¯t want anyone touching what¡¯s mine.¡±


    Emerald smirked after he said, ¡°Once upon a time, I may be yours, but not anymore. You don¡¯t own me, and I don¡¯t want you in my life anymore. Sign the divorce papers like I did, and we¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just saying that because of what I did. But I know deep inside, you still love me,¡± Jace replied. Their faces were close, and he didn¡¯t let the chance go to waste to kiss her. Young Morgan tried to push him away, but just like what had happened in the green room, she couldn¡¯t and kissed him back instead.


    Jace wraps his hand around Emerald¡¯s waist, pulling her closer to him until even air can¡¯t pass between them. Young Morgan¡¯s hands grabbed his shirt, holding on to him as she started to feel her knees weaken. ¡°Admit it, Emerald. You want me as much as I want you. And I know I don¡¯t need to force you if I want to take you right here, right now.¡± Jace whispered, making Emerald¡¯s eyes widen.


    Young Higginson pulled away before his wife could hit him on his chest. He caught her hand and smiled at her sweetly. ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡± Asked, Kyle. Emerald looked behind Jace and found the man on her office door looking at them, confused.


    ¡®Did he stop kissing me because he heard someone¡¯sing?¡¯ young Morgan asked herself. ¡®What¡¯s happening to me that I didn¡¯t hear it?¡¯


    ¡°No, you cane in and tell us what you need,¡± Jace replied before he looked at his friend, with a questioning look.


    ¡°I was looking for you, and Nn told me you were here,¡± Kyle replied,


    ¡°Why are you looking for me? Can¡¯t you just say what you want?¡± Jace said, annoyed. He didn¡¯t like that; he just disturbed him and Emerald, and he felt frustrated that he didn¡¯t close the door when he entered.


    ¡°I am going to Indonesia by next week. It was supposed to be you, but I felt you were not going, so I appointed myself instead.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Jace asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°You have topensate me for this.¡±


    ¡°Wait, why would he not want to go?¡± Emerald chimed in, and the two men looked at her in disbelief.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He didn¡¯t want to leave you here alone.¡± Kyle replied, grinning.


    ¡°Get out now!¡± Jace said, waving his hand to the door while his friend gestured his hands in surrender as he started walking out of Emerald¡¯s office.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? You can leave now, too.¡± Young Morgan told Jace when they were left alone.


    ¡°I will let you go this time, but when I heard you talking to another man saying words that should be meant to be mine¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten me with your bullshit, Jace.¡± Emerald stopped him from talking. ¡°Didn¡¯t you forget? I already buried my love for you at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s die together. When you admit to yourself how you feel for me, I will dive there and be with you.¡± Jace replied before he kissed her again and left her office.


    Emerald sat back in her office chair after the door closed. She started to hate herself for feeling uneasy and ufortable around her husband. She started to wonder whether she had made the right decision to work with him. Over the years, she kept herself busy developing games, if not ying with her son. And during those times when theirpany was starting, she did both. It was what she thought was why Ace loves games as well.


    The day ended, and Emerald was thankful that Jace didn¡¯te back. Young Morgan went home, excited to see her son. ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace eximed. He looked excited, making her feel very happy because she felt how much her son loved her. She opened her arms and hugged him as soon as she sat on the couch in the living room, where the boy was ying.


    Emerald also noticed that these past few days, after she told her son about introducing his father to him, Ace was extra happy and lively. He would give her a massage, which only tickles her, or offer her refreshments or anything the boy thinks she likes. He would often ask her about her day, just like now.


    ¡°How was your day, baby?¡± Asked Emerald.


    ¡°Fine, mommy.¡± the boy replied, smiling, and started taking off her shoes.


    ¡°I can do that myself, baby,¡± she said, trying to stop Ace, but the boy insisted, so she let him and watched him.


    ¡°Preschool will start soon. Are you excited?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mommy! It only means that I am going to meet new friends.¡± Ace answered. His smile was so wide that Emerald thought it would split her son¡¯s face. As she remembered school, young Morgan thought she needed to buy a car and hire a driver for her son, so she made a mental note to do it the next day.


    ¡°M, you don¡¯t need to get a driver. I can drive Ace and pick him up after school.¡± Daryl said when they were on their way to a car store. She asked him to send her there before he went to the ACEGame office.


    ¡°What about your work?¡± Emerald asked worriedly. She didn¡¯t want anyone to neglect their duties in the office because of her or her son.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, M. You know that Creep and Elise will understand. Another thing is that it is safer if I am the one who will be driving for him and nanny Keng. We don¡¯t know anyone here that we can trust.¡± Daryl insisted. Emerald sighed heavily, thinking her friend was right.


    ¡°But you must tell me if you have other things to do, so I will drive for him instead.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Daryl agreed and continued driving to one of the car stores around their area. Emerald doesn¡¯t care about the brand. For her, as long as it serves its purpose, it¡¯s fine.


    ¡°You can leave me here,¡± Emerald said when they reached the store.


    ¡°Yes, if I won¡¯t be able to bring the car today, I¡¯ll just call for a cab.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Daryl replied and started driving after Emerald exited his car.


    Emerald¡¯s eyesnded on a 4¡Á4 white pickup as soon as she entered the store. Although she didn¡¯t have any preference, she instantly liked it and thought that it fit her, so she approached it to have a look.


    ¡°Hi, ma¡¯am.¡± The saledy greeted her, and she returned the greeting with a nod. She was busy looking at the car and didn¡¯t want anyone to disturb her.


    ¡°What do we have here?¡± The familiar voice made Emerald lookup and find Emerose and Merly. ¡°Are you buying a car, little sister?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s any of your business,¡± Emerald replied, raising a brow. ¡°On the contrary, I wonder what you two are doing here. Oh, are you going to buy a car? As far as I know, you don¡¯t have the capacity for that.¡± young Morgan added mockingly. She felt happy seeing how superior she was.


    ¡°What do you mean we are not capable?¡± Merly asked angrily, making Emeraldugh loudly. The saledy who had greeted her started to feel awkward.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t tell me you found another man who will buy you a new car?¡± Young Morgan asked.


    ¡°We are not like you, Emerald,¡± Emerose said with finesse. ¡°Look at yourself. You were never like that. You¡¯re nothing, and after five years, you came back with a lot of money. Where does your moneye from, your sugar daddy? What would his family do to you once they found out about you?¡± Eldest Morgan added.


    Young Morgan was about to reply, but a couple interrupted them. ¡°You have a sugar Daddy?¡± asked the woman before covering her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Higginson,¡± Emerose said, making Emerald look at the old couple.


    ¡®That¡¯s why they look familiar.¡¯ she thought.

 Chapter 35

    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Asked Jace.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the man replied, hardening young Higginson¡¯s face.


    ¡°We have been working for months now, and she¡¯s not saying anything.¡±


    ¡°You can ask her to confirm, Mr. Higginson.¡±


    ¡°The boy¡¯s name is Ace?¡± he asked, and the investigator nodded. Jace smiled, thinking Emerald named their son after him. ¡°She will deny it, and I¡¯m sure she didn¡¯t want me to meet our son.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and here¡¯s the DNA result and the photos of the boy.¡±


    ¡°How did you manage to get this?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Emerald went to a barber shop with the boy.¡± The man replied,


    ¡°That exins the new haircut,¡± Jace said, making the man smile as he touched his head. ¡°Thank you, Ronnie.¡±


    ¡°No problem, sir.¡± Ronnie, the investigator Jace hired, said. After his parents told him about a child they met in the amusement park that looked like him, Jace couldn¡¯t help but think about Emerald. In addition to that, Emerose¡¯s visit, telling him about his wife being a nanny, added to his suspicion.


    ¡°Look for her nanny as well. I want to know what happened to her.¡± Young Higginson said before Ronnie got up from his seat.


    ¡°Copy that, Mr. Higginson.¡± The man replied and left his office.


    Jace was left alone, thinking about what he should do now that he found out that he had a son with Emerald. Thinking she was pregnant when she left made him feel guilty, wondering what she had gone through all those years that she became a father and a mother to their son.


    Even if it was like that, young Higginson couldn¡¯t help but feel angry at Emerald at the same time because she hid the truth from him even after they met and were now working together. ¡®Is that how much you hated me?¡¯ he asked himself.


    Because he already knew that his wife would fight him for custody, Jace sought his legal council¡¯s help. He will make his wife give him custody of their son and, at the same time, make here back to him.


    ¡®It¡¯s not that I am using our son; I just want to make things right and for us to be aplete family.¡¯ he thought. Jace decided not to confront Emerald and wait until the court summoned her for his rights with their son.


    ***


    ¡°Oh, son, you wouldn¡¯t believe it,¡± Jessica said as soon as she saw his son. They were at the poolside talking about the incident in the car store, and the two old Higginsons were debating whether they would tell their son about it. Jace sat on a chair and looked at his parents.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Young Higginson asked curiously. ¡®Is there more shocking news than the one I was about to tell them?¡¯ he asked himself.


    ¡°Your Dad and I met Emerald in the car store,¡± Jessica answered. Jace looked at his father, confirming what his mother said.


    ¡°I told you, darling. We can¡¯t just believe what that woman had said.¡± Nick told his wife.


    ¡°What do you mean, Dad?¡± Jace asked impatiently.


    ¡°As I was saying, we saw your wife, and then there¡¯s mother and daughter who were using her of having a sugar daddy,¡± Jessica exins.


    ¡°What?¡± Jace eximed. ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure? She¡¯s been away for five years, and ording to you, she has nothing. Howe she came back wealthy?¡±


    ¡°I know my wife, Mom. And whatever she did while she was away, it¡¯s all my fault. It¡¯s because I hurt her.¡±


    ¡°Are you still going to try to win her back?¡± Nick asked, but Jace didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Did she say anything after what that mother and daughter said to her?¡± Young Higginson asked.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything and just shrugged her shoulders. I mean, she knew that we were your parents because we met when she left your mansion.¡± Jessica answered.


    ¡°And you¡¯re expecting her to act like she¡¯s close with you or that she knows you well enough?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. I just thought, under those circumstances, she would try to deny their usation and defend herself.¡± the matriarch said in a low voice, thinking Jace was angry at her while her husband held her hand.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t exin it to you because she doesn¡¯t care what you will think about her,¡± Jace said. ¡°Because for her, I am nothing. And you being my parents, she doesn¡¯t feel obligated to please or exin to you.¡± Jace added and sighed heavily before he continued. ¡°Is this the father of the boy you saw in the amusement park?¡±


    Nick and Jessica looked at the photo their son showed them. They looked at each other before they nodded. ¡°Is this the boy that you are talking about?¡± Jace asked, showing them Ace¡¯s photo.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him,¡± Jessica eximed while Nick had his stoic face. ¡°But why do you have their photo? Don¡¯t tell me¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s my son¡± Jace said, ¡°With Emerald.¡±


    ¡°What! But this man¡± Jessica eximed, pointing at Liam¡¯s picture.


    ¡°That¡¯s Emerald¡¯s¡± Jace said but couldn¡¯t continue.


    ¡°She let your son call this man Daddy?¡± Nick asked, and Jace nodded sadly. It¡¯s another reason why he didn¡¯t confront Emerald. Because he was scared that out of anger, he would do or say something he would regret, it was painful for him to know his son called another man his father. ¡°So, what do you n to do? Are you going to let her do what she wants?¡±


    ¡°I already talked to a legal council, and he will start doing his job. I want to im my rights to our son and, at the same time, take her back.¡±


    ¡°What about this man?¡± Jessica asked, eyes on Liam¡¯s photo.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°He¡¯s in Europe right now, and he lives there. He¡¯s working for the government and has been Emerald¡¯s friend.¡± Jace replied,


    ¡°Just friends?¡± Nick asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, Dad. They were more than friends, but knowing they are living separately, I don¡¯t think Emerald is thinking of marrying him.¡±


    ¡°Still¡±


    ¡°Mom, let me handle this. I promise that you will be meeting your grandson soon.¡± Jace assured his mother, who nodded in agreement. After their conversation, the two old Higginsons were very happy and excited to meet Ace.


    ***


    In Emerald¡¯s mansion, she was with her son ying online games, but her mind was on the old Higginson couple. She wondered whether they believed Emerose and Merly. Although she didn¡¯t like that, she still didn¡¯t want to exin herself, thinking she didn¡¯t need to exin herself to anyone.


    She respected the couple, but she didn¡¯t want to associate herself with them as much as possible, especially when she was nning on introducing Ace to them. Young Morgan didn¡¯t want them to think she was taking that opportunity to get closer to them.


    ¡°Mom, can I ask you something?¡± Ace asked, making Emerald pay attention to him.


    ¡°What is it, baby?¡±


    ¡°You said that you¡¯re going to introduce me to my Dad. Does he have parents? Will I be able to meet my grandparents?¡± the boy asked innocently. ¡°Sammy, my friend next door back in Europe, was always happy and excited whenever his grandparents visited their house because, ording to him, they spoiled him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you have your grandparents,¡± Emerald replied, thinking about the two old Higginson and her parents earlier. She thought she couldn¡¯t even introduce Ace to her family, but how much more could she introduce him to the Higginsons? But she also thinks that Higginson could ept the boy rather than with her family.


    After talking to Jack, she realized that he was a good person and was confident that Ace would be wee in their family. As for Jace, with their previous rtionship and how he had treated her, knowing the reason why young Higginson did that to her alleviated her anger. ¡°And I¡¯m sure that they will love you as well,¡± she added.


    Ace smiled at her and felt happy and excited about when he would be able to meet Jace. Although he treated Liam as his father, having to meet his biological father made the difference.


    Three dayster, Emerald didn¡¯t go to the SoftWare Group because she had matters to attend at the ACEGame. She informed Nn about it since Kyle is out of the country and needs to go to Indonesia earlier than scheduled. Young Morgan was in her office checking on the new offline game theirpany was working on when Daryl came in with an envelope.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± she asked, making her assistant shrugged his shoulders and replied,


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but that came from the post office,¡± he replied. Emerald creased her forehead and started to open the envelope and read its contents.


    ¡°That bastard!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Daryl asked curiously.


    ¡°That bastard, Jace had filed a case against me for Ace¡¯s custody,¡± Emerald answered angrily.

 Chapter 36

    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Emerald asked angrily. She went to Jace¡¯s office and confronted him as she showed him the summons from the court.


    ¡°Exactly what it is.¡± Young Higginson answered casually.


    ¡°What the hell are you thinking that you file a case like this?¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you nning on letting me know about our son?¡± Jace asked, looking at her intently. He already knew how she would react, and he was ready.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Emerald eximed.


    ¡°When? We¡¯ve been working here for months, but you don¡¯t even give me a hint!¡±


    ¡°After our project! I already told my son about you.¡±


    ¡°Our son, Emerald. Our son. Don¡¯t forget that.¡± Jace replied, ¡°And why must we finish our project?¡±


    ¡°So I don¡¯t need to see you.¡±


    ¡°What? I have the right to be with our son. Is that how much you hate me that you didn¡¯t want to see my face? After this project, I want to be with our son. How do you expect me to see him?¡±


    ¡°You get him in our house on weekends, but make sure to bring him back Sunday nights.¡±


    ¡°And what, you won¡¯t face me whenever I drive our son back to your house?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Emerald replied. It was the truth. She didn¡¯t want to see him because she didn¡¯t know if she could stop falling in love with him again.


    ¡°Is that how much you hate me? You¡¯re willing to sacrifice the time that me and my son could bond together because of your damn hate?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Emerald shouted. She felt like Jace was invalidating her pain because she prevented him from seeing their son. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Didn¡¯t you waste your money to invest in my father just so you can avenge your brother for something I didn¡¯t do?¡±


    Jace stiffened. He didn¡¯t know what to say because he knew he was wrong and had done the worst. ¡°I am a father, Emerald. I want my son to call me Daddy, and you let him call another man that way.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I want that? That is the reason why I decided to tell him about you. So he won¡¯t stop calling Liam his Daddy. It¡¯s because of my son; I had to look the other way and forget about my feelings because my heart breaks seeing how much he yearned for his father.¡± Emerald replied. ¡°I was scared for him because I don¡¯t know whether you would ept him simply because I am his mother. I am fearful that you will feel disgusted once you know that I conceived a child on that night when you finally break me with thepletion of your revenge.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡± Jace said in a low voice.


    ¡°You want to fight for custody? Fine, let¡¯s do that.¡± Emerald said and turned her back.


    Jace was left in his office, confused. ¡®I should have been the one who had the upper hand because she hid the truth from me; why did it end like this? Why do I feel like I was at fault?¡¯ he asked himself. ¡®Yes, I was wrong for treating her that way, and I understand her fear. But can¡¯t she see that I am different now?¡¯


    After Emerald told him about how he broke her heart, he felt his heart clenched. The pain he felt for his wife years ago came back, and so did the guilt. Now more than ever, he decided to take her and their son back. He will never stop until they are together and make up for her for the rest of their lives. He promised himself to do everything he could to pay for what he did to his wife and their family. ¡®But for now, I need to take them back first for me to be able to show them my sincerity. None of my ns will happen if we¡¯re not together,¡¯ he thought.


    Emerald was still furious when she went to her office because she didn¡¯t expect Jace to know about their son. She tried everything she could to hide Ace until she was ready. Now that she¡¯s facing the case, young Morgan wonders how her husband found out about their son.


    ¡®Is this how you want it? I am not going to let things go easy on you.¡¯ Emerald thought as she turned on herputer so she could finish their project so she didn¡¯t need to be near him.


    ***


    Driving in her pickup, Emerald went to the court, ready to face Jace. Daryl got her Atty. Cecil. A goodwyer who handles child custody and marriage cases. ¡°Hello, Ms. Morgan.¡± The attorney greeted her as soon as she saw her.


    ¡°Just call me Emerald, attorney,¡± she replied, which made thewyer nod and lead her to the court where Jace and his legal counsel were.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± Young Higginson greeted her, but she ignored him while showing how disgusted she was with him. Jace, who was hurt by what she did, sighed heavily. ¡®I need to be patient and tolerant; I¡¯m at fault,¡¯ he told himself before he went back to his seat.


    A littleter, the judge came in, and they started the hearing.


    ¡°In addition to the evidence we submitted, your honor, we would like to add this as exhibit E.¡± Attorney Cecil said and handed the judge some photos. ¡°It¡¯s our proof that Mr. Higginson will not be a good role model for the boy.¡±


    Jace and his attorney look at each other, ¡°Your honor, we don¡¯t have a copy of that yet.¡± Atty. Shane said.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said additional.¡± Atty. Cecil rebutted, and the two attorneys started to argue.


    ¡°Order,¡± The judge said, ¡°I am going to give you 10 minutes to discuss this new evidence before we resume this hearing.¡± the judge added.


    As both sides discussed, Jace admitted to his attorney that he had brought countless women into their mansion while living together. But he also exined to him that after Emerald left him, he never even looked at any woman and concentrated on his business and search for her.


    ¡°Are you willing to tell that to the court?¡± his attorney asked, making Jace¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°You want your wife to live with you and your son; if we prove to the judge that you are willing to start anew, she might suggest Ms. Emerald try your marriage once more for the benefit of your son.¡±


    ¡°Will that only look like I am using the boy to get her back?¡± Jace asked worriedly.


    ¡°It might. And I think everyone would think that way. But why does it matter to you when you knew deep inside your heart that you wanted to be with your family? Is trying to have aplete family a sin?¡± his attorney asked, and he thought he had a point.


    After 10 minutes, their hearing resumed, and Emerald was called to the witness stand by theinant. ¡°Ms. Emerald, my client said that you let your son call another man, Daddy. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she replied,


    ¡°So the boy is not calling any man Daddy? He had no father figure as he grew up?¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°He called my friend Daddy, but I reminded him he was not his father.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think he was like that?¡± the attorney replied, earning a re from Emerald because anyone would know the answer. She kept quiet, but the judge encouraged her, wanting to hear her response.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, please answer.¡± the judge said, looking at Emerald, who sighed heavily.


    ¡°Because he wanted to have his father.¡±


    ¡°That would be all your honor,¡± the attorney said before he went back to his seat. Emerald was ring at Jace, who met her eyes.


    The hearing ended, and the judge made her decision. ¡°The court gives Mr. Higginson his right as a father to the boy and Ms. Morgan; since both of you are not into any rtionship and want your son¡¯s wellbeing, I suggest you try to live together and make your marriage work out. Suppose you think you still didn¡¯t want to be with him after Mr. Higginson admitted his fault and was willing to make things right. In that case, you can decide whether to continue, ¡± the judge said, widening Emerald¡¯s eyes. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s only my suggestion; the decision is always yours. As a woman, I understand your pain and everything you¡¯ve been through with your husband, so I didn¡¯t want you to feel obligated to live with him. What matters is that the boy is happy knowing he has a mother and a father who will care for him.¡±


    Emerald was furious; she couldn¡¯t believe what the judge had decided. She thought she could just give Jace time to see their son on weekends, but to her dismay, young Higginson was allowed to see Ace anytime he wanted, which she thought would start another world war between them.

 Chapter 37

    A day after the hearing, Jace talks to Emerald, telling her that he wants to meet their son. Although the judge has already told them that he can visit the boy any time he wants, he still asks his wife¡¯s permission, knowing how young Morgan feels about the decision.


    Young Morgan gives Jace their address, but he tells her that he will follow her on her way home, which leaves Emerald with no choice but to agree. In the mansion,


    ¡°He¡¯s my Daddy?¡± Ace asked, not leaving his gaze on Jace, who looked at him with teary eyes. He couldn¡¯t believe that the boy looked exactly like him even though his parents already told him about it and had already seen him in the pictures. His heart was filled with joy, and he couldn¡¯t help but hug his son.


    Emerald watched them, and a sudden, unexinable feeling engulfed her. Seeing how happy her son was made her emotional, and she couldn¡¯t stop her tears from falling down her cheeks, which she wiped immediately. She didn¡¯t want Ace to see her crying because she knew that he would worry about her.


    ¡°Have you been a good boy while daddy is not around?¡± Jace asked after he carried him to sit on hisp.


    ¡°Of course, Daddy. And I also took care of Mom.¡± Ace proudly replied before looking at Emerald, who nodded in agreement.


    ¡°How can I be so lucky to have a responsible son?¡± Jace eximed, making little Aceugh. ¡°Can you tell me about yourself?¡± Young Higginson asked.


    Ace quickly nodded, and as if he were in school, he introduced himself to his father, who listened eagerly and was very attentive to asking the boy whenever something confused him. ¡°Do you want to meet your grandma and grandpa?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°Ahm, do you think it¡¯s too soon?¡± Emerald interrupted them. She still remembers the incident in the car store, and she was worried that his parents wouldn¡¯t think anything else about her son because of what Emerose and Merly had told them. Ace looked down with his sad face.


    ¡°Ace is already 4,¡± Jace said,


    ¡°I¡¯ll turn five soon,¡± the boy chimed in. Jace looked at him and smiled before continuing, but he couldn¡¯t because Emerald spoke.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°What did I say about butting in when two adults were talking?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom. I forgot.¡± Ace replied, scratching the back of his head with a smile.


    ¡°Emerald, it¡¯s fine,¡± Jace said. He didn¡¯t want her to scold their son, but young Morgan ignored him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget it next time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mommy!¡± the boy replied enthusiastically, making Emerald shake her head.


    ¡°As I said, Ace is already 4 turning 5, and it¡¯s already a long time, Emerald.¡± Jace continued, ¡°My parents are excited to meet him; you just don¡¯t know how much.¡±


    ¡°Daddy?¡± Ace eximed. He looked so excited, but then he remembered what his mother said: ¡°I¡¯m sorry again, Mommy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I understand,¡± Emerald replied, smiling. She knew how excited Ace was to meet his grandparents with the expectation of spoiling him. ¡°I will just leave you two here while I change into my house dress,¡± she added before turning her back to them. Jace followed her with his gaze before he averted his eyes to his son.


    ¡°Are they going to like me?¡± Ace asked his father with hesitation. Jace smiled while nodding.


    ¡°Of course, they are very excited to meet you. And I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll  be shocked when you see them.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise. You¡¯ll know once you see them,¡± Jace answered, and the boy smiled at him before they hugged. Young Higginson felt an intense emotion he thought only a father could experience, and for him, it was a good thing.


    In her bedroom, Emerald¡¯s mind was on Jace and their son. She started to worry that Ace¡¯s growing affection for his father might change his mind and cause him to decide to live with him.


    ¡®No, he¡¯s not going to do that, right?¡¯ she asked herself, ¡®Jace will never take my son away from me. He¡¯s not that cruel. Ace is the only important person in my life, and I don¡¯t know what I will do if I ever lose him.¡¯ she added.


    Emerald took off her clothes and changed. She looked in the mirror and noticed that she looked bothered. ¡®Why wouldn¡¯t I when Jace was threatening my rtionship with my son?¡¯ She told herself to justify her feelings. After a deep sigh, she walked out of her bedroom and returned to the living room, where she left Jace and Ace.


    ¡°Ace! Ace!¡± She shouted when she found no one and thought that Jace had taken their son away.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Emerald, they are in the dining area.¡± Nanny Keng said, and young Morgan rushed to see them.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, why are you shouting?¡± Jace asked with a creased forehead while Emerald looked at her son, who was eating happily.


    Emerald didn¡¯t answer Jace; she sat beside her son and ate. Young Higginson couldn¡¯t help but watch his wife and son, who were eating happily. ¡®If only we were a normal family, I would be the happiest man on earth.¡¯ He thought.


    ¡°Dad, can you help me take a bath?¡± Ace asked. They were back in the living room, and Emerald expected Jace to leave.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Jace replied happily.


    ¡°Dear, it¡¯ste. Your dad still has work to do tomorrow.¡± Emerald butt in.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m the boss so I can bete. Plus, I¡¯m a morning person, so no matter what happens, I always wake up early no matter howte I sleep.¡±


    ¡°Yehey!¡± The boy jumped for joy, and Emerald couldn¡¯t do anything. Although she didn¡¯t like her husband to stay longer, she had no choice since Ace requested and didn¡¯t want to disappoint him.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know what you are nning, Jace. But I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re not going to seed. Ace is my son, and I will never let you take him from me.¡¯ Emerald told herself as she watched the father and son walking up the stairs hand in hand.


    Under different circumstances, young Morgan thought it would have been better if the scene she was witnessing had happened when she was with Jace. She hoped that he had changed his mind and would not have continued his revenge if he really felt that he already loved her.

 Chapter 38

    ¡°He¡¯s big for his age,¡± Jace said as he looked at his son, who is now sleeping soundly. After he bathed him, Ace requested him to stay in his room with Emerald until he fell asleep. He looked at his wife because she didn¡¯t say anything and found her looking at their son as well. ¡°Emerald,¡± He called her, making her avert her attention to him. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± Emerald asked emotionless.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside,¡± Jace said before looking at Ace. He didn¡¯t want their son to hear them just in case Emerald would start to say words that were not good for the boy to hear. He wants to prevent Ace from hearing them fighting or arguing. They left the room and returned to the living room to meet Daryl, who had juste out of the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to my room now, M.¡± Emerald nodded, smiling, and her friend started walking up the stairs, leaving the two alone.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± Jace started as they sat opposite the couch. He wanted to sit beside her, but he stopped himself from doing so so he would be able to say everything he wanted to say and settle everything. ¡°I know I hurt you in the past. But believe it or not, I love you.¡±


    Young Morgan¡¯s eyes flew to him immediately after hearing him. She chuckled and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t see or feel any love from you before.¡±


    ¡°I know, but that¡¯s the truth. It¡¯s just that¡±


    ¡°Cut off the chase, Jace. Tell me what you want me to say and leave my house. Don¡¯t beat around the bush because I will not believe any wordsing out of your mouth.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jace replied, ¡°Since you were like that and didn¡¯t want to listen to me, I want Ace to live with me.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Emerald eximed. ¡°Are you crazy?¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°If you want to live with us, it¡¯s fine with me too.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I will let my son live in your house. What for? So that when you get married and have your children, you will throw him away as if nothing?¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking? How can you say that? Why are you thinking the worst of me?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re the worst! No, I am not going to let my son live with you and be mistreated by your woman and her child.¡±


    ¡°I am married to you; how will I find another woman?¡±


    ¡°For now, sign the papers, and we¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to insist on that divorce?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t give you a hard time when you asked me for it,¡± Emerald replied angrily, thinking Jace was making things difficult for her. ¡°I signed it right after you used and disregarded me. I don¡¯t see any reason for you not to do the same.¡±


    ¡°Look, that¡¯s why I am asking for your forgiveness and trying to start anew¡­¡± Jace said in a low voice after Emerald made him remember what he did to her.


    ¡°Are you expecting me to just forgive and forget? I asked you, Jace. What have I done to deserve what you had done to me? I was confused then, always asking myself, am I not good enough? Am I unattractive and unworthy of being loved by anyone that even my own husband, who chose to marry me, couldn¡¯t give me the love and affection that I want to experience?¡±


    ¡°I know, I know, Emerald. And I regretted every single thing that I had done to you. Every time I hurt you, I was suffering. Yes, I did what I did because of my brother, and I know it¡¯s unforgivable. But even if it was like that, I was hurting too. But I want to make it up to you and our son. Please, let me be a father to Ace and a husband to you.¡±


    Emerald was quiet; she wanted to believe Jace and start anew with him just like he wanted. But thinking about her suffering, how painful it was seeing him with another woman, showing her how worthless and unimportant she was to him. At the same time, he fucked another woman in front of her on her birthday. She remembered how he threw her out of his house after they got intimate on their wedding anniversary and crumbled on the hope that just rose up in her after thinking he had realized she was worthy of his love.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Emerald asked, ¡°If you are, you can leave.¡±


    ¡°Emerald, please..¡±


    ¡°You said you wanted to talk, so I let you talk, and I listened. You¡¯re not going to get my son away from me. I am going to fight for Ace and will not give him to you just like that. Now, leave if you have nothing to say.¡±


    ¡°Is this because of that bastard?¡± Jace asked angrily. He thought Emerald wanted to marry Liam, so she didn¡¯t want to make things work for them. Knowing Ace also liked the man, he felt jealous even though he already knew how much their son loved him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know whose bastard you are talking about; as I already told you, you¡¯re the only bastard I know.¡±


    ¡°Shit Emerald! You know who I am talking about, and I will not let you two be together. I will do everything in my power to destroy him. Do you hear that? If I need to nt evidence against him so he would lose his job, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Jace!¡± Emerald shouted. She didn¡¯t like the idea that her husband just said. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare threaten me¡±


    ¡°I am not threatening you. In the past, I loved you, and no matter how painful it was for me, I still hurt you. What do you think I can¡¯t do to the man who doesn¡¯t matter to me to stop him from taking you and my son away from me?¡± Jace said, stopping her from saying another word. Emerald was so angry that she got up.


    ¡°You¡¯re despicable!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am!¡± Jace said and got up from his seat as well. Emerald was ring at him, and he knew that she was as mad as hell with him, but he didn¡¯t care. ¡°And I don¡¯t care what you think of me as long as you know you are mine and we¡¯re still married!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not married, Jace. We¡¯re far from married! Think whatever you want to think, but I will never take you back either.¡±


    Jace approached, pulled her closer, and said, ¡°I know you, Emerald. And I  know that you still feel something for me. I will start from there and try my best so you can fully ept me. Now, whether you like it or not, if you don¡¯t want me to destroy that bastard, I am going to take Ace and live with me. Come if you want to be with our son because, just like you, I am going to do everything to get custody. Remember, I don¡¯t have any woman in my life after you left; I can be a good model to our son, unlike you, who had an immoral affair with your friend.¡±


    Emerald couldn¡¯t say anything because she knew that Jace found out what had happened to her and Liam. Young Higginson started walking to the door but remembered something, so he stopped, ¡°Oh, before I forget,¡± he said, making young Morgan look at him, and without warning, he imed her mouth.


    The kiss turned out deep and long because, as always, Emerald responded. They were gasping for air when they stopped. ¡°Goodnight, dear wife,¡± Jace said before he continued walking out of her house while young Morgan stood still and couldn¡¯t utter a word.

 Chapter 39

    After that night, Emerald couldn¡¯t sleep enough and was always thinking about Ace. For three days, she goes to work worried about another summons from the court that Jace would file against her to im custody of their son.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Emerald, everyone is ready for the meeting,¡± one of her team members said after she knocked on her door and got into her office. Young Morgan looked up and nodded before getting up from her chair and leaving her office.


    The team was busy discussing the development of their project, and Emerald was very happy since everything went earlier than nned. She was satisfied with her team, and although she hated Jace, she wanted to thank him for giving her reliable people who were willing to make extra effort. They were wrapping up the meeting when Esther came,N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°How dare you, slut!¡± she said angrily, pointing at Emerald, who looked confused and angry at the same time.


    ¡°How dare you call me slut, bitch!¡± she replied and pulled Esther¡¯s finger. ¡°I am far from slut, and never will I be one. You better look at yourself first before you call people something they¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°And what do you want me to call you? You¡¯re divorced, and you¡¯re still seducing Jace!¡± Esther shouted, making everyone look at her and then at Emerald, who was very furious.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way that I am going to seduce him; if you want him that bad, go and take him. Tie him around your waist if you want to be sure that no one will take him away from you.¡± She doesn¡¯t understand where Esther gets the idea that she was seducing Jace when they are not meeting in the office unless it is work-rted. Especially thesest few days when she has been trying to avoid him because of theirst conversation, which didn¡¯t go well.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kyle asked when he came, looking at Esther.


    ¡°I am just telling this slut here¡±


    ¡°If I were you, you better watch your mouth if you didn¡¯t want to suffer in Jace¡¯s wrath,¡± Kyle warned, widening Esther¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Are you siding with her? Did you forget how much Jace hated her?¡±


    ¡°He hated her, but that doesn¡¯t mean he doesn¡¯t love her either,¡± Kyle replied, hesitant because he knew what his friend had done to Emerald.


    ¡°What love are you talking about? Jace loves me; he told that slut about it before, and you can ask her.¡± Esther rebutted, reminding Emerald of what Jace did on her birthday.


    ¡°And you believe that? Tell me, after Emerald left, did Jace show any interest in you again?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°And don¡¯t lie because we are always together, and I never saw him with any woman.¡±


    Esther was quiet because Jace never approached her again after that day he invited her to their mansion. ¡°Jace is mine, and I am not going to let anyone interfere,¡± the woman warned before she turned her back to them, making Emerald roll her eyes and look at her team to dismiss their meeting.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± Kyle said as he followed her into her office.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin to me, Kyle. I don¡¯t care what your friend does in his life, and as long as no one bothers me, it¡¯s fine.¡± Emerald told him.


    ¡°Emerald, I know I¡¯m not in the position to¡±


    ¡°If you already know that, stop vouching for your friend. Nothing he will say or do can change my mind; how much more, you?¡± Emerald said, cutting off his words. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I still have things to do,¡± she added, sitting back in her chair before she started typing on herputer. Kyle looked at her and shook his head before he left her office.


    Young Morgan sighs after the door closes. She looked at it and thought about what Esther had told her. Although she never seduces Jace, she also knows she feels something towards her husband but is fighting it. As much as possible, she didn¡¯t want to invest her feelings in him anymore, thinking she¡¯d get hurt again.


    On her way to the parking lot, Emerald was stopped by Jace. ¡°I heard what Esther did earlier, and I apologize-¡±


    ¡°Stop it. Jace. I don¡¯t care about what she said; I am not affected at all.¡± Emerald said when she motioned her hand for young Higginson to stop.


    ¡°Still, I want you to know that we had no rtionship even when I brought her to our house.¡±


    ¡°Your house, not ours, because there was never an us. And as I¡¯ve already said, I don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°Emerald, please, I want to make things right.¡±


    ¡°Then make it right with Esther so that you can leave me and my son alone,¡± Emerald replied, making Jace¡¯s face hardened and his jaw clenched in trying to control his anger. He doesn¡¯t know how long he will be able to tolerate Emerald¡¯s behavior, but he is trying his best to understand her hostility.


    ¡°Can you please stop pushing me to other women because I am not going to take your bait so you will be able to spend your life with that bastard?¡± Jace replied, annoyed.


    ¡°And why do you keep on dragging Liam here?¡¯


    ¡°So the bastard¡¯s name is Liam!¡± Jace eximed, even though he already knew that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend that you don¡¯t know his name. If you manage to find out about my son, there¡¯s no way that you won¡¯t be able to know his name or who he is to me.¡±


    ¡°Our son, Emerald. How often do I need to remind you that Ace is our son? Don¡¯t make him appear like a bastard because he¡¯s not!¡± Young Higginson said angrily.


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s not!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t ever say he¡¯s just yours.¡± Jace replied, ¡°And let me remind you about my offer. I¡¯ll take Ace ande with me, or I am going to make things difficult for your lover.¡± he added, sounding more of a threat before he turned his back to his wife and went to his car.


    Emerald was furious, thinking he had thest say. She didn¡¯t want Jace to have the upper hand in their arguments. Then she remembered what he said, ¡®Is he for real? He wants Ace and me to live with him?¡¯ she asked herself. Young Morgan shook her head as she continued walking to her car, which her husband interrupted. When she came home, her thoughts were filled with Jace¡¯s words, and she found her son in the living room waiting for her.


    ¡°Hello, baby. How was your day?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°Mommy, Daddy called, and he wanted toe with us to buy my school things,¡± Ace replied instead of answering her question. She wanted to tell him that only they would buy his school supplies, but he didn¡¯t want to disappoint her son either. ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you want him toe with us?¡± Ace added when he noticed her quietness.


    ¡°What? No, of course not. I was just thinking that your Daddy is busy with his business, and you know what kind of business he has, right? He¡¯s needed in hispany most of the time.¡±


    ¡°But he already called me and said that it¡¯s fine. He can make time for me because he said he loves me.¡± Emerald nodded and didn¡¯t argue anymore. Realizing it was only to buy his school supplies and nothing more, she didn¡¯t see anything wrong and agreed.

 Chapter 40

    ¡°How many of these do you need?¡± Jace asked Ace. They are in the bookstore, buying the boy¡¯s school things. The father and son were happy choosing from notebooks designed with cartoon characters.


    ¡°I only need a few, Dad,¡± Ace replied and started to choose the designs he wanted while Emerald watched them. She saw how happy her son was, although she was annoyed with Jace because he continuously teased her on their way to the bookstore. Jace insisted on driving for them, and as usual, their son was excited about it so Emerald agreed.


    ¡°Just a few? I can buy you everything here.¡± Jace replied, although Emerald knew that he was only joking, she couldn¡¯t help but said,


    ¡°Don¡¯t teach Ace to be arrogant. He can¡¯t have everything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just joking, dear wife,¡± Jace replied, making young Morgan roll her eyes at him. Ace was so happy with how his father called his mother that he started to think that they would be a family soon.


    ¡°Yes, Mommy. I know that Dad was only joking. And I don¡¯t need a lot.¡±


    ¡°As long as you know,¡± Emerald said as she lightly pinched her son¡¯s nose, smiling. Then, they started to walk around again toplete the school supplies that Ace needed. Everyone was looking at them because the boy was so talkative that he kept saying something about himself to Jace, who was still listening eagerly no matter how many times he had heard him say it.


    ¡°Where do you want to eat, dear wife?¡± Asked Jace as he carried Ace. He grinned when he looked at Emerald and found her ring at him.


    ¡°Stop calling me that!¡± She snapped.


    ¡°Why, Mom? It¡¯s sweet. Are you not happy that Daddy is very sweet to you?¡± Ace asked curiously. He likes how his father did everything he could to please his mother.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Your mommy is super, KJ; that¡¯s why,¡± Jace replied,ughing, and so did Ace.


    ¡°Stop it, Jace. It¡¯s not funny.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mommy. Let¡¯s make Daddy pay for our food for teasing you. And that¡¯s what fathers do in the family.¡± Ace said, and Emerald couldn¡¯t say anything. Jace took that chance and grabbed her hand before he started walking and led them to a restaurant.


    Emerald says no more and just goes with the flow so Ace won¡¯t notice anything. She doesn¡¯t want her son to think she doesn¡¯t like what they are doing, fearing that he would only worry about her feelings. Although the kid acted his age, Ace was very smart and could tell if something was wrong. He thinks like an adult, and Emerald knows that. She thinks Jace does, too, and he was using that to his advantage.


    After their meal, Emerald decided to go home. Even if Jace didn¡¯t want that, since their son agreed, he respected his family¡¯s decision. For him, they are the most important people in his life, and he obliges himself to do whatever they want.


    ¡°Dear wife,¡± Jace said when they exited Ace¡¯s bedroom. Like before, he bathed his son and had him sleep while Emerald watched them.


    ¡°Jace, I told you to stop it. Ace is not here anymore, so you better stop teasing.¡± Emerald said,


    ¡°I am not teasing you. You¡¯re my wife, and I want to call you that way. Why? Do you prefer something else?¡± Jace asked, smiling.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to call me any endearment because I didn¡¯t want to. When are you going to respect my decision? Oh, it¡¯s because you¡¯re arrogant and still think I am the same Emerald you thought you knew.¡±


    ¡°I may not fully know you, but I do know that you still respond to my kisses, and you can never hide that.¡± Jace said, ¡°Go on, you can fight your feelings. But let me tell you this: the time wille when I am going to make you submit to me again. You were mine before, and you will be mine again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too sure about that,¡± Emerald replied, trying topose herself since their faces were close, and she could smell his breath as he spoke. She was also anticipating the kiss he always gives her at times like it, but she didn¡¯t want to show it either.


    ¡°Oh, dear wife. You should know how you look right now.¡± Young Morgan¡¯s eyes widened, and she started thinking about whether she was being transparent.


    ¡®No, I can¡¯t show him that I¡¯m wavering. He can¡¯t know, or he will only use it against me.¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid and let it go; I promise, this time, I¡¯ll be a good and loyal husband to you,¡± Jace said with sincerity, hoping Emerald could see it. Their eyes are still locked on each other, and no one says anything for a few minutes until Jace breaks the silence. ¡°I want you to know that my parents want to meet Ace already. I hope you don¡¯t mind if I bring our son to their mansion this weekend.¡±


    ¡°What? No, I want to spend time with my-¡±


    ¡°Our son, Emerald. Our son.¡± Jace corrected her before she could finish her sentence.


    ¡°I want to spend time with Ace this weekend because his sses will start this Monday.¡± Emerald refused.


    ¡°Then I will tell my parents toe over here instead.¡±


    ¡°How do you expect me to have time with Ace if your parents are here?¡± Emerald asked, annoyed.


    ¡°Dear wife, they are my parents and have the right to see their grandson.¡±


    ¡°I am not taking their rights away from Ace. I just said I want to spend the weekend with my¨C our son. What¡¯s so hard to understand about it? And can you move away?¡± They were still close to each other, making Emerald feel more uneasy, and she didn¡¯t like it. She pushed Jace a bit and turned her back before she started to walk her way to the stairs.


    On the other hand, Jace does what she wants so she won¡¯t get annoyed anymore. He didn¡¯t want to push his luck, and it was enough for him to know he was right about his wife¡¯s feelings towards him.


    But since Emerald was not thinking straight and was affected by Jace¡¯s presence, who was following her, she slipped. If not for young Higginson¡¯s fast reflex, she would have ended up lying on the floor. ¡°You have to be careful, dear wife,¡± Jace said after he caught her. Emerald¡¯s eyes were on him, and she was mesmerized as Jace held him with his arm around her waist, pulling her up a bit to regain her footing, while their eyes locked on each other.


    Young Higginson wanted to give Emerald time to get to know him while he wooed her, so he wasn¡¯t nning on doing anything that would only anger his wife. But the look on Emerald¡¯s face made him forget his n as he slowly lowered his face to meet Emerald¡¯s.


    Young Morgan¡¯s eyes were on Jace¡¯s as if hypnotized. She saw how his face slowly got closer to hers, but she didn¡¯t avoid it until their lips met. Emerald liked the feeling and slowly closed her eyes, forgetting everything Jace had done to her.

 Chapter 41

    WARNING!! MATURE CONTENT!!


    Jace pinned Emerald on the wall as they continued kissing. He liked the feeling, and so did young Morgan, whose hands were around his neck after he lifted her, making her wrap her legs around his waist.


    They stopped kissing when they decided to catch some air. Jace¡¯s eyes were on Emerald, and he could see how much his wife wanted him. Although hesitant for young Morgan to hate him if he continued, he lowered his face again and saw how she anticipated the kiss he would give her.


    Emerald closed her eyes, waited for Jace¡¯s lips to meet hers, and then responded to him wantonly. That¡¯s thest string that holds young Higginson¡¯s control, making him kiss her deeper. The sound of their lips sucking each other will be heard in the corridor, and Emerald was thankful that no one was around. But out of fear that someone might see them, young Morgan stopped kissing him back and said, ¡°In my room,¡±


    Jace nodded and carried Emerald after she told him where her room was. Upon entering, they started to undress themselves and get back in each other¡¯s arms, feeling their naked body and tasting each other.


    ¡°Ohh¡­ Jace¡­¡± Emerald moans as young Higginson sucks in one of her nipples while his fingers y the other.


    ¡°You taste good, Emerald,¡± he replied, continuing what he was doing, making her feel desired. Then he carried her and put her on the bed before joining her.


    ¡°Eat me, Jace..¡± Emeraldmanded, which he followed immediately. Jace wanted her to feel how much he wanted and loved her. He thought it was his chance to let her know about his feelings.


    Emerald grabbed Jace by his hair as he started to alternately lick and suck her folds. His hands were on his breast, giving them a gentle massage, making young Morgan go crazy as she spread her legs wider before she lifted her lower body, chasing for young Higginson¡¯s tongue whenever it retreated.


    ¡°Shit! Fuck me already!¡± Emerald screamed, making Jace smile internally. He loved how demanding she was in bed and was d she didn¡¯t change. He was amazed before how the timid Emerald went wild when he took her, and she was a virgin. Things he wanted to do to her started to run in his mind, and he felt so excited, resulting in him pleasuring his wife with his tongue until she cummed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet, dear wife,¡± Jace said as he faced her, realizing what he just called her and was about to stop him, but young Higginson stopped her with his mouth, kissing her passionately, and young Morgan had no choice but to respond since she likes the feeling very much.


    Then Jace positioned himself in her entrance and gently rubbed the tip of his member in her fold, teasing Emerald even more. They were sweating, but they only cared about what they were doing and how they were feeling.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck you and make you mine, dear wife,¡± Jace said before he thrust himself roughly. Emerald¡¯s eyes widened in pleasure as she felt young Higginson¡¯s dick filled her hole.


    ¡°Yes, Jace¡­ fuck me hard and fast¡­¡± Emerald screamed as Jace continued thrusting in and out of her core. She knew what was happening and how much she still hated her husband. But with the feeling he was giving her, she couldn¡¯t help but want him.


    ¡°Fuck, dear wife. I want you so much; I love you so much!!¡± Jace screamed as well. Emerald was stunned and looked at Jace, who had his lustful eyes on her, too. ¡°I can¡¯t stop it anymore, Emerald. I love you and I am going to continue saying those words to you no matter how much you hate me,¡± he added as he spilled his seeds inside her.


    ¡°Oh my gosh! Pull it out!¡± Emerald eximed, but Jace put his weight on her so she couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°I love you, Emerald. Get used to it since I am going to say those words to you all the time.¡± Jace whispered. Young Morgan didn¡¯t say anything, savoring his love deration. She had been yearning for those words toe out of his mouth and never lost hope that he would until she gave up.


    Tears started to stream down, and Jace saw it. He felt guilty, but he knew to himself that he would do everything to make things right, so he wiped her tears with his lips. ¡°I can¡¯t promise that I won¡¯t be able to hurt you, but I can assure you that I will not do it intentionally. I will not force you to forgive me now either; I will work hard to gain your trust until you fully ept me. Let me do my husband and father duty to you and our son for now.¡± Jace said sincerely.


    As for Emerald, she knew why Jace hurt her, and deep inside, she also knew that it wouldn¡¯t take long until she forgave him because of what Jack and Kyle told her. But she wants to take this chance to make her husband suffer and pay for what he did to her. Not because of the revenge she had nned but to make him realize her worth and his fault.


    The whole night, Jace took Emerald several times before they fell asleep. He didn¡¯t n it, but he was too tired to get up from the bed and go home. Young Morgan was feeling the same and was happy about it. But she promised to make things hard for Jace even though she let him and will let him touch her. A smile appeared on her lips before shepletely fell into slumber.


    Emerald opened her eyes in the morning and felt something heavy on her stomach. When she looked at it, she discovered it was Jace¡¯s hand. Young Morgan looked at her husband and watched him in his sleep, not minding if he caught her. All she wanted to do was feast her eyes on his handsome face, which haunted her in her sleep even when she was still in Europe.


    She runs her fingers and traces Jace¡¯s face from his nose to his eyes. Both parts that she loves about him the most. She thought that he had sexy eyes and a kind of look that could make women wet their panties, and she was one of them.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Emerald felt naughty and got her face close to Jace before her lips touched his and gave it a light bite and said seductively, ¡°Fuck me again, Jace.¡±


    Being awake all those times, Young Higginson opened his eyes and imed her mouth after he pulled her closer to him. Emerald ended up on top of him as he started to run his fingers all over her body. Feeling her smoothness and softness until he felt her already wet pussy and inserted a finger inside, making Emerald gasp and then moan, ¡°Ohh.. Jace, that felt good..¡± her voice was hoarse, and that made her look more desirable to Jace.


    ¡°Ride me, dear wife,¡± Jacemanded and she followed. Emerald rested her hands on his chest before sitting on top of him, right on top of Jace¡¯s manhood where she could feel his hardness. Because she was so wet, Jace¡¯s cock easily entered her pussy. ¡°Ahh.. dear wife, my shaft fits perfectly in your hole.¡± Then young Morgan started to swivel her hips, trying to hit her g-spot.


    When she does, she moves up and down while Jace¡¯s hands are on her hips, guiding her. At first, it was slow, but she did it fast. ¡°Oh, fuck! Emerald, I want you, I want you so much!!!¡± Jace started screaming.


    ¡°Ahh. Jace, it feels so good. I want to cum, I want to cum now.¡± Emerald screamed as well. With that, Jace sat up, and they exchanged their position before he turned and bent Emerald over.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fuck you hard, dear wife..¡±


    ¡°Yes, fuck me hard and fast, Jace¡­¡± With that, Jace thrust harder, deeper and faster just like what his wife wanted.


    ¡°You¡¯re only mine now, Emerald. Only mine! Your breasts, your pussy, your body, your soul, YOU, YOU¡¯RE ONLY MINE¡­.¡± Jace screamed as he released everything inside Emerald.


    They were both panting while Jace was still on top of Emerald, carrying his weight, knowing how heavy he was. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to fuck you like this since the first time I set my eyes on you, dear wife. You don¡¯t know how much control I had to do to stop myself.¡± Jace whispered, ¡°I love you. I love you very much and want to scream those words at you the first time I take you. I want you to know how much I hated myself and how much I love you. I¡¯m sorry because your husband is such an idiot and an asshole.¡± he added, pouring his heart and soul while his tears cut down his cheeks and fell on Emerald¡¯s, who was stunned.

 Chapter 42

    ¡®He loves me? Is it true?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. She was working in her office in ACEGame, but she couldn¡¯t concentrate because of what had happened to her and Jace. She¡¯s not denying that she likes it and admits that she still loves her husband. The way young Higginson confessed his love to her changed something in her. ¡®No! I shouldn¡¯t forgive him just like that. He had to suffer the way I did. Emerald, don¡¯t let your feelings for him get the better of you. You should make it difficult for him to appreciate you more.¡¯ Young Morgan thought before she shook her head and tried to focus on work.


    As soon as she started working, all her attention was on herputer. Although she was in ACEGame, she looked at the ACE Family Grocers sales report, formerly Morgan¡¯s Grocer. Elise sessfully changed the store name, but Emerson was unhappy.


    Seeing how their sales changed, Emerald was very happy. She knew they could increase their sales, especially when she got good suppliers. She started nning future upgrades for the store and was determined to make that happen.


    ¡®Although it was still early to think about it, I knew this would materialize.¡¯ Emerald thought. She also checks their database to see if something is happening to prevent future problems. She was busier than before, but she didn¡¯t care as long as she could show her family that she was not a jinx, as they made her believe.


    Liam: Hi, M.


    A chat from her friend popped on her screen, to which she replied immediately.


    Emerald: Yes, Liam? How are you? Do you have news about my nanny?


    Liam: I¡¯m fine, M. And yes, I have news for you, but I will tell you personally.


    Emerald: You¡¯reing back here?


    Liam: Yes. I need to meet a friend to confirm.


    Emerald: When are youing back? Doesn¡¯t my problem cause you dys with your work?


    Liam: Not at all, M. You know that I didn¡¯t think that way. And you¡¯re not making any dys with my work. What can you do? I¡¯m just good with my stuff.


    Emerald: When are youing back?


    Liam: Next week. Would that be okay?


    Emerald: Of course! See you then.


    Liam: See you.


    Their chat ended, and Emerald was back in her deep thoughts. She started to worry about her nanny, Lucy, again, and her eagerness to find her became stronger. Young Morgan temporarily forgot what happened to her and Jace while thinking about the possible cause of her nanny¡¯s disappearance. She couldn¡¯t fully understand why anyone would take Lucy when she was ordinary. Even though she found out that her nanny came from a rich family, no one knew about it, so she can¡¯t connect Lucy¡¯s disappearance for the second time, especially when the man who took Lucy said that he thought Merly had nothing to do with what happened because he still collects money from her mother by ckmailing.


    Emerald promises herself that she will do everything to find her nanny because, to her, she¡¯s the only family who gives her unconditional love. She wants to return to her the love and care Lucy had given her during those times when young Morgan¡¯s family had been treating her badly.


    It was the weekend, and Jace went to Emerald¡¯s mansion to get Ace and bring the boy to the Higginson mansion. Young Morgan is busy on herptop in her room when her husband knocks and gets in. ¡°Are you not going out to send us off?¡± Young Morgan looks at young Higginson and returns her eyes to herptop. ¡°What¡¯s keeping you busy?¡± He asked again, walking closer to her before looking at whatever she was doing.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at my work,¡± Emerald said before she closed herptop. ¡°What is it that you want?¡±


    ¡°Ace and I are leaving,¡± Jace replied. After what happened to them that night and the morning after, young Morgan¡¯s attitude didn¡¯t change. She was still hostile to him and only talked if it was about work-rted topics.


    Emerald got up from her bed and started walking to the door. But when she noticed Jace wasn¡¯t moving, she stopped and looked at him. ¡°What are you waiting for? I am not going to leave you here.¡± Then young Higginson started walking, but when he was in front of her, he stopped before pulling her closer and kissing her.


    Just like before, Emerald responded wantonly. She has no power over Jace, who has the power to weaken her knees by just looking at her. She wanted more than just kissing, and young Higginson knew that. Her panties were soaking wet when he inserted his hand inside after he lifted her dress.


    ¡°You¡¯re wet for me, dear wife,¡± Jace said, making Emerald swallow hard because she didn¡¯t want Jace to know that, but she had no way to hide it either. Then she heard him unbuckling his belt and the sound of his zipper being pulled down before he carried and pinned her behind the closed door. Young Morgan wrapped her legs around her husband¡¯s waist, pulling him closer so she would be able to feel his hardness. ¡°I want you now, dear wife. Tell me you want me too.¡± Jacemanded, and Emerald was like a kitten who did as she was told.


    ¡°I want you too, Jace. Fuck me already.¡± Then, without warning, after Jace slid her panties to the side, he roughly thrust himself before pounding on her faster and deeper the way young Morgan wanted it.


    ¡°Ahhh.. Emerald.. Fuuuuck¡­ You fucking feel so good.¡± Jace screamed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to cum, Jace.. Faster.. Please¡­¡± Emerald screamed as well, making young Higginson continuously thrust in her core until they both cummed.


    Jace realized that Emerald wanted him the way he wanted her, and he was d it was the case. He thought that they would be able to get back together as long as young Morgan felt the same way as he did.


    Emerald looks at Jace in the eyes, and it mirrors her desire. ¡°I love you, dear wife, and fuck, I can¡¯t get enough of you. You¡¯re the only woman that could make me feel this wanton. I want to make love to you every time we¡¯re together.¡± Jace said and kissed her again. Although he wanted Emerald to say the same thing or tell him she loves him too. Jace also knew that he had to be patient and give her time. He knew that what he had done was unforgivable, so he wanted to show his wife that he was willing to wait for her until she fully epted him in her life.


    ¡®For now, I¡¯ll be content with what you can give me. If it¡¯s just sex without your heart, I am going to do everything to win your heart and love back so we would be making love instead of having in sex.¡¯ he thought.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

 Chapter 43

    Old Mr. and Mrs. Higginson were so happy when they met Ace. The boy was surprised to see the couple as well. He was very happy when he found out about his cousin, who was only three years old-the same little girl who was with the old couple in the amusement park.


    Jace was happy to see how the important people in his life were getting along well. There¡¯s only one problem, Emerald. He and Ace were in his room and were about to sleep when the boy asked, ¡°Daddy, do you love Mommy?¡± He felt relieved when Emerald agreed to let their son sleep in his parents¡¯ mansion.


    Young Higginson was stunned, not because he didn¡¯t know how he would answer his son but more because he was worried that their son was thinking about him and Emerald. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I love my grannies, uncle and aunt, and little cousin, and I think they feel the same about me. I¡¯m sure they would love Mommy too. But I understand that even if they will like Mom, it won¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t love her.¡±


    ¡°I love your Mom, little man. But she¡¯s having difficulty epting me after what I did to her.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do what you did?¡± The boy asked innocently.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin, but the main reason is I am such an idiot. I was too stupid to think at that time, and I was consumed by anger. Don¡¯t think about me and your mother because I will do everything to win her back so we will be a happy family.¡±


    ¡°Really, Dad?¡± the boy asked excitedly. His eyes were shining, and happiness was evident on his face. Jace nodded in agreement before he hugged his son. Seeing Ace¡¯s reaction, he promised to do everything to make it happen.


    ¡°Sleep now, little man. Your Mom will get mad at me if she finds out you go to bedte.¡± After that, little Ace hugged his father, smiled, and closed his eyes. He didn¡¯t like the idea that his father was living separate from him and Emerald, so before he fell into his slumber, he promised to help his dad win his Mom¡¯s heart.


    ***


    ¡°Daddy!!!¡± Ace shouted upon seeing his father, who had his arms wide open for him, behind the little was his nanny. It was the first day of school, and Jace promised his son to drive for him every day. Emerald didn¡¯t like the idea, but she had no choice since her son wanted it, and ording to Jace, it was fine with him as well.


    ¡°Are you going to work now? Why don¡¯t you go with us instead?¡±


    ¡°I have my car.¡±


    ¡°I can send you home after work,¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, why don¡¯t you want Dad to send you to work? Are you not happy if we¡¯re together?¡± The boy asked, making Jace and Emerald look at each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, dear.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go. Dad said he¡¯ll send you home after work, too.¡± Ace replied excitedly, not giving his mother a chance to refuse. He knew that she had been trying to avoid his father, so to make his n work, he had to ensure that his parents would always have time to be together. ¡°Come on, Mommy!¡± he added and started pulling her.


    ¡°Wait, alright. I¡¯ll just get my bag.¡± Emerald said, making Jace smile internally before he looked at his son, who was acting innocent. However, he already had an idea about what Ace was doing.


    Jace and Emerald sent Ace to school together, and the two were very happy to see how excited their son was. The boy kissed them before he started running with his nanny, Keng, who was shaking her head, feeling happy for little Ace.


    ¡°Are you going to SoftWare Group or yours?¡± Jace asked on their way to the car when they couldn¡¯t see Ace anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just take a cab,¡± Emerald replied,


    ¡°Are you that ufortable around me?¡± Jace asked when he stopped her from walking. Emerald looked at him with a stoic face and replied.


    ¡°Ace is not here, so you can stop acting.¡±


    ¡°I am not acting! I don¡¯t need to act!¡± Jace eximed. ¡°Look, I am trying to show you that I want our family to be together. I want my son to experience aplete family the way I did. He has a mother and father who live together. Don¡¯t think I am doing this to show off because I wasn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Emerald asked before she turned her back on him, angered Jace, so he carried her back to the car.


    ¡°Ahhh! What do you think you¡¯re doing!¡± Emerald shouted as she continued to hit his back. But Jace didn¡¯t care until he put her inside the car. He also took the liberty of buckling her seatbelt so she couldn¡¯t run away from him before he went to the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Young Morgan asked angrily.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m crazy for you!¡± Jace shouted back before he started the car and drove. He decided to bring Emerald to hispany because she didn¡¯t tell him where she was supposed to work for the day. On the other hand, Young Morgan was speechless and couldn¡¯t understand why it was easy for him to say those words when they were not actually on good terms.


    When they arrived in the SoftWare Group building parking lot, Emerald tried to unbuckle her seatbelt in a hurry, but Jace stopped her. ¡°Emerald, let¡¯s talk,¡± Jace said. On their way, none of them talked or made any sound, and it killed him. He wanted to get close to his wife, but he thought she was not giving him a chance.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about, Jace,¡± Emerald replied. It was also hard for her because she wanted to be with him, too. But she wants him to value her this time. That¡¯s why she tried to fight her feelings and intentionally gave him a hard time. She didn¡¯t want to see him suffer in other things but in wooing her. So she had to control herself no matter how much she wanted to show him her happiness now that she already sees her future with him and their son.


    ¡°Yes, there is.¡± Jace replied, ¡°I want you to know I will woo and chase you. But please be fair and don¡¯t push me away. Let me show you how much I miss you, how much I want you, and how much I love you. Let me show you how much I want our family to beplete. Let me pay for what I did to you until my dying days, and I assure you that I will never let you down.¡±


    ¡°I hate you, Jace. After what Jack told me about why you did that to me, I still couldn¡¯t find it in my heart to forgive you just like that,¡± Emerald replied. She was surprised to hear her husband pour his heart out, but her n is intact, so she will have to reject him for now. ¡°I don¡¯t deny that I want the best for our son, so I am letting you enter his life. But that¡¯s it. Don¡¯t expect anything other than your rights for Ace. I will still file our divorce, so please help me with that.¡±


    Jace was stunned. He thought that he would be able to get Emerald¡¯s sympathy as he continuously showed her his repentance and regrets. But he was determined to win her back, so he said, ¡°The divorce is not going to happen, but I will continue pursuing you. I regret everything I¡¯ve done to you, and as already said, I am not asking you to forgive me right now but to give me a chance to show you that I have changed.¡± After that, he let go of her arm. He turned off the engine before he went out and opened the door for young Morgan, who was in disbelief but sighed before she left the car and walked with young Higginson to the elevator.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 44

    ¡°I know Emerald will forgive me eventually,¡± Jace told Kyle. They were in his office, and his friend was worried after finding him in deep thought.


    ¡°Of course, she will. And you¡¯re lucky that your son likes you.¡± Kyle replied, making Jace nod and smile. He told him what Ace had been doing to give him and EMerald time to be together.


    ¡°I just hope that our n will work. Ace had been serious about getting me and Emerald back together, so I didn¡¯t want his efforts to go to waste, either.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t me your son. He wanted to have aplete family, and after calling Liam daddy for a long time, I think his happiness now that he¡¯s finally met you is beyond what we can imagine.¡± Jace thought the same thing. Whenever he looked at his son, he saw a free-spirited young boy. Even if Emerald is not telling him, he knows that he¡¯s a smart kid at first sight. There¡¯s nothing in this world that Jace wants any more than to have his family.


    ¡°Anyway, what happened on your visit to Macau?¡± Young Higginson asked. After his friend arrived from Indonesia, another invitation was sent to them for a possible coboration from a wealthy businessman.


    ¡°Mr. Ss wants to talk to you personally, and if possible, he requested that you introduce him to a good game developer as well.¡±


    ¡°Game developer?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°I think Mr. Ss is very interested in games as well, and he had his eyes on ACEGame, but I told him that we are already coborating with them.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°What do you expect? He became more eager to talk to you. But I told him you¡¯re not avable to travel, so he decided toe and visit us instead.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. At least you know that I won¡¯t be able to leave Emerald and Ace at this time.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I know you are just starting to fix your rtionship with your wife, and I understand that you need to be more visible to her than ever.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man,¡± Jace replied gratefully.


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    ¡°I got to go to Emerald¡¯s office. Mom wanted Ace to stay in the mansion this weekend again, so I had to ask for her permission before I agreed.¡± Jace told his friend and got up before leaving his office. Kyle followed him with his gaze while shaking his head. He was very happy for young Higginson and looked forward to his happiness.


    ***


    Emerald¡¯s office was busy with her coding. She had noticed some glitches in the game, and the graphics were not smooth, so she had been working on that since morning.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Knock, knock,¡± Jace said as he tap the already opened ss door before he entered the office. Thest time he gets in without a warning, Emerald gets mad at him.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Young Morgan asked without looking.


    ¡°Busy?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± she asked, making Jace chuckle as he walked closer to her table.


    ¡°Say whatever you want to say,¡±


    ¡°Mom and Dad want Ace to stay with them again this weekend.¡± Emerald stops typing on her keyboard and looks at her husband with a creased forehead. Jace began to feel hesitant, but then again, young Morgan¡¯s expression changed suddenly and replied.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Jace asked to make sure. He didn¡¯t expect her to agree easily.


    ¡°Why? Should I not?¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, Mom will be very happy.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Young Morgan replied, looked back at herputer, and continued typing. ¡°Don¡¯t leave yet. I asked for a meeting with everyone, and I want you to be there. Let us know if you are satisfied with the development, and if you want to change or suggest anything, you can also tell us.¡± she added.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you then,¡± Jace said, and Emerald nodded in reply without leaving her eyes on herputer. When ites to work, young Morgan is very dedicated because she loves what she is doing. She didn¡¯t want any dys, so she prioritized her project next to her son.


    At first, she couldn¡¯t believe that she could develop a game. She has low self-esteem and doesn¡¯t believe in herself because of what her sister Emerose always tells her. But after she meets Creep and Elise in person, she realizes she¡¯s a very capable woman, especially when she puts her heart into it.


    She didn¡¯t think that she would be able to be what she is now because she only took her diploma through an online lesson. She was thankful she took it seriously with the encouragement of her nanny, Lucy.


    Jace left Emerald¡¯s office so she could concentrate and went to the oval table where they conducted their meeting. A team member offered him coffee, which he took gratefully since he was never a snob regarding his employees. He prioritized them as well, thinking they were doing their best and being part of the backbone of hispany.


    He believed that they were the ones doing everything that he couldn¡¯t. Even though he is the one behind the sess of the SoftWare Group, he still believes that he wouldn¡¯t be able to reach his status if not for those who had given their best to do their jobs.


    ¡°Is Emerald always like that?¡± He asked before sipping his cup of coffee. The employees looked at young Morgan¡¯s office and nodded.


    ¡°Every time she would ask us to do something, she¡¯s always there to help us as well, sir.¡± Santy, the illustrator, answered.


    ¡°She also has a lot of suggestions, which is why we have many options.¡± rrisa, the one who gave him the coffee, added. Jace nodded, feeling proud of his wife. Since he knew what kind of person she was, young Higginson thinks she has never changed even though she¡¯s considered a sessful woman.


    After a few more minutes, Emerald left her office and joined them in the meeting area. She discusses some of the changes she made in the game and her reasons for doing so while Jace just listened, admiring her confidence.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Young Morgan said when her phone buzzed and saw Creep¡¯s name with an urgent sign. ¡°I just have to read this first,¡± she added, opening the message. Her face dimmed and hardened when she saw the message, which made Jace worry.


    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± he asked. Emerald looked at him and shook her head, but her facial expression didn¡¯t change. This time, she balled her fist, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed, even by the others with them at the table. ¡°Let¡¯s continue and make it fast; I need to go to ACEGame,¡± she said, putting down her phone before looking at everyone and returning to their discussion.

 Chapter 45

    Jace rushed to catch up with Emerald and stopped her after their meeting, ¡°I¡¯ll send you to yourpany.¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll just get my car key,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just call a cab.¡± Emerald insisted.


    ¡°Please, Emerald. Let me do this for you.¡± Jace said, pleading. Young Morgan didn¡¯t say anything and just sighed before nodding. Young Higginson grabbed her hands and pulled her into the elevator.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I need to get my car key, and I¡¯m afraid that you will leave if I leave you even for a second, so I¡¯ll bring you to my office, and we will go together in the parking lot,¡± Jace answered.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you have trust issues,¡± Emerald replied, shaking her head. Deep inside, she felt happy knowing Jace was concerned about her. Although the news Creep sent her was something she couldn¡¯t feel rxed about, knowing she had him by her side made her mood lighter.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Emerald asked when Jace followed her when they arrived at the ACEGame building.


    ¡°Following you,¡± Young Higginson replied casually. He continued walking to the elevator and got in. Emerald, on the other hand, followed him with her gaze and was glued to where she was standing. ¡°Are you not in a hurry?¡± Jace asked, looking at his wife while he stopped the elevator door from closing. ¡°I thought you would want me to carry you in instead,¡± he said when she finally got in and pressed the top floor where her office was.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe with me; this has nothing to do with you,¡± Emerald said after the elevator door closed.


    ¡°With the look on your face earlier, I don¡¯t think you¡¯d be okay.¡±


    ¡°What about my look?¡±


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re ready for a war,¡± Jace replied and said nothing when he didn¡¯t receive a reply from his wife, who was in deep thought.


    ¡®Is that how transparent I was?¡¯ Emerald asked herself. She didn¡¯t want to worry anyone, especially Jace, because she didn¡¯t want to ask him for help. The two made their way to her office when the elevator stopped on her floor, and Creep and Daryl weed them.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°How did it happen?¡± Emerald asked as soon as she entered her office, followed by her friends and Jace.


    ¡°Ahm, is he going to be here?¡± Daryl asked, confused. Emerald looks at Jace with a creased forehead as if asking the same thing.


    ¡°I might be of help,¡± Jace said as he sat on one of the couches in the mini-receiving area of Emerald¡¯s office.


    ¡°Yes, we might be needing his help.¡± Creep agreed, so Emerald and Daryl didn¡¯t say anything more, thinking how serious their friend looked.


    ¡°Tell me everything.¡± Emerald started as soon as they were all seated.


    ¡°Apany in Europe was iming one of our games as theirs. They are using us of giarizing their work.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald eximed. Her message from Creep earlier told her that someone was copying their work. Now that she understands it differently, she wants to tear down their entire building out of frustration. ¡°Are they for real? How did they think of that idiocy?¡± she added.


    ¡°They said they had proof that the game was theirs, and they already submitted aint to the Gaming Association,¡± Creep answered.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way that we giarize or even copy their work. What game are they referring to?¡± Emerald asks.


    ¡°The Soul Reaper.¡± It¡¯s the game that Emerald had poured all her energy into. After she developed their first game, which luckily became a hit and gave them millions of dors, The Soul Reaper is the only game that Emerald develops all by herself. From illustration to coding, everything. It was during those times that she was taking care of her newborn son while suffering from depression because she missed Jace and remembered what had happened in her married life. As did her son, it became the outlet that made her hold on and continue living.


    ¡°And they choose that? Did they know how hard I worked toplete that game?¡± Emerald said angrily. ¡°I am not going to forgive them. Daryl, I need to find out anything about thepany. I want to know if they have experienced something like this before and look for a legal counsel who is good in this case to help us with the legal battles we might face.¡±


    ¡°I can help you with that.¡± Jace chimed in. Everyone looked at him, and Emerald was about to decline his offer, but Creep said immediately.


    ¡°That would be great.¡± Then, he looked at Emerald, who had her eyes on him. ¡°We need him. He came to mind as soon as I received the letter. I knew we would need his connection as well.¡±


    ¡°You can tell me what else you need.¡± Jace encourages them. It was his chance to help his wife, and he was willing to go all out.


    ¡°As I said, Daryl, find out everything about thatpany. I want to know if they used otherpanies like ours before this and the result. I want us to be ready for this battle because I am not going to hand them my baby.¡± Emerald said. She was trembling in anger, and if only she could throw everything in sight, she¡¯d do it. But she managed to collect herself and keep cool.


    ¡°What about the game?¡± Daryl said suddenly, making them look at him, ¡°Many yers had been asking whether they could continue ying it.¡±


    ¡°Of course, they could still y it!¡± Emerald eximed.


    ¡°I think not,¡± Creep said. ¡°The Gaming Association demanded we stop the downloading and, of course, ying the game until the issue is settled.¡±


    ¡°Another thing is, many gamers who had just purchased some of the necessary items for the hero upgrades were flooding the game with negative feedback and reviews in all app downloading stores,¡± Daryl informed them and then showed them his iPad.


    ¡°This is not good either. Why did it already be this before we were informed about their ims?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    ¡°They nned this,¡± Jace said. ¡°Before they informed the Gaming Association, they probably escted rumors about the game, and you just didn¡¯t notice it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was scheduled to check it in two months since I just finished optimizing it after our return here,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°Then they did it after your optimization?¡± Daryl asked,


    ¡°Possible.¡± Jace agreed. ¡°There¡¯s no better exnation than that.¡±


    ¡°So, after discovering everything about thepany, what will we do next?¡± It was still Daryl.


    ¡°Creep will prepare every proof we could show the association that the game is ours,¡± Emerald said, looking at his friend, who nodded. ¡°Will you be needing Elise?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No need, let her handle the grocery store. She even enjoys managing it.¡± Creep replied, smiling while scratching the back of his head.


    ¡°Thank you, Creep.¡±


    ¡°No problem, M. We¡¯re doing this together. The Soul Reaper is important to me as well. You know I love ying it with Elise, right?¡± he added.


    ¡°Daryl, Creep, I want them punished. I want whoever the owner of thatpany to pay for what he did to my baby. I expect your reports as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± the two replied in unison.


    ¡°And I am going to handle the legal part,¡± Jace said.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Emerald said, feeling thankful that she had him then.

 Chapter 46

    ¡°Don¡¯t give headaches to your grandparents, okay?¡± Emerald reminded her son. Jace went to their house to fetch the boy. It¡¯s Friday, and Ace will stay at the Higginson for the whole weekend.


    ¡°Yes, Mommy¡±, the boy replied happily. He enjoyed being at his grandparents¡¯ house because of his little cousin whom he was ying with. Emerald smiled and kissed Ace before handing Jace his bag of clothes.


    ¡°Please take care of him,¡± Young Morgan told Jace, who was taking the bag from her.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied, smiling. ¡°Say goodbye to Mommy,¡± he told his son.


    ¡°Bye, Mom!¡± the boy said excitedly and clung to his father¡¯s hand, which was holding his bag.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving,¡± Jace said and pulled Emerald closer before giving her a smack on her lips.


    ¡°Yehey!!¡± Ace jumped for joy after witnessing it. Emerald red at Jace, who wasughing, and then left.


    Emerald stayed in her house, waiting for the time. She will fetch Liam at the airportter, and he will always stay at her house. In addition to the issue in herpany, she still needs to learn about her nanny.


    ***


    ¡°Thank you, M,¡± Liam said. They had just arrived at the house from the airport, and it was alreadyte.


    ¡°No problem, Liam. You can still use the same room, and we will talk tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Liam replied before walking to his room.


    Meanwhile, Jace was thinking about Emerald and wanted to go see her. But he¡¯s with Ace, and he can¡¯t leave him.


    ¡°Dad, do you have other ns to make Mom forgive you?¡± Ace asked, making him look at his son.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°All I want to do is to show her my sincerity. I don¡¯t need any drama just to make her forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Still, you must do something that will catch her heart.¡± Ace insisted. Although he knows his father loves his mother, he still thinks that Jace must show Emerald not just his sincerity. ¡°I did some research and found out that wives and women generally like the feeling of being taken care of. It¡¯s in their nature, so you must also be extra sweet to her.¡±


    Jace couldn¡¯t help butugh at his son and was amazed at how much effort he made to help him win Emerald back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, son. I promise myself to baby your mother for the rest of our lives. So, even if we are together, I will still court and woo her.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Ace eximed. ¡°And I want a baby sister too, Dad,¡± he added.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to give you a lot of baby sisters.¡± Jace agreed,ughing. Although it sounded like a joke between a father and a son¡¯s conversation, he was also serious about it.


    The following day, Liam and Emerald visited Liam¡¯s friend, whom he asked to investigate Lucy¡¯s disappearance. Young Morgan was excited and at the same time, worried. She wanted to find her nanny and was anxious that she might be in danger.


    ¡°This is Detective Santos.¡± Liam said, ¡°This is Emerald, the one I¡¯m telling you about.¡±


    ¡°Hello, detective,¡± Emerald said, shaking her hand.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°You can call me Emerald.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± the detective replied. They met in a cafe and started their conversation after their order arrived. ¡°As for Ms. Ember Ferguson, also known as Lucy Hughes, it came to my knowledge that the one who took her from Donato was using an alias of Lover.¡±


    ¡°Lover?¡±


    ¡°Yes, because the man loves your nanny.¡±


    ¡°Wait, how did you find out about it?¡± Emerald asked curiously. She was getting confused with all the information she heard.


    ¡°Sorento, the man that Lovermissioned to take your nanny from Donato, told me about it.¡± the detective replied,


    ¡°Then where is this Sorento?¡± Emerald asked, hopeful. ¡°Once we find him, we will be able to find out who that LOVER is,¡± she added.


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem,¡± Detective Santos said, making Emerald¡¯s forehead crease and looking at Liam, who was also confused. ¡°He was found dead yesterday morning.¡±


    ¡°What!!¡± Liam and Emerald eximed before their shoulders slumped out of frustration.


    ¡°Then what will happen now?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°I am investigating following all the leads Sorento told me.¡± Detective Santos replied. ¡°I will get back to you once I find something or anything about that LOVER.¡±


    ¡°How did Sorento die?¡± Liam asked curiously. He was worried that Emerald might be going against someone who was powerful and might put herself in danger.


    ¡°I had his body autopsied, but the result is not out yet. But I had a feeling that it was the LOVER.¡± Santos answered.


    ¡°Do everything you can to find him, and if there¡¯s anything you need, you can tell me,¡± Emerald said,


    ¡°No!¡± Liam eximed, making young Morgan look at him. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous for you. Let me handle this,¡± he added.


    ¡°But¡±


    ¡°No more buts.¡± Liam insisted and averted his attention to Santos. ¡°Contact me with anything. Don¡¯t call her. I¡¯m afraid that she¡¯ll get targeted by that man, and I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡± the detective replied, telling Emerald, ¡°I agree with Liam. It¡¯s too dangerous for you. We can assume that whoever that LOVER is, he knows that you are still searching for your nanny and might put you and your son in danger.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that man knew my nanny¡¯s true identity?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, everything is possible. Whether he knew about Ember Ferguson or not is not what¡¯s important to him. No matter who your nanny is, the fact that she¡¯s your nanny, that man still feels the same. And I think he¡¯s possessive or had intense feelings for her.¡±


    ¡°He could be a psycho, and I couldn¡¯t risk your safety if you see Santos all the time.¡± Liam chimed in, and the detective nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯m sure that man knows he is after him and might do everything to find out what he knows and follow his every movement. Just to be safe, let me take care of this,¡± he added.


    Feeling helpless, Emerald couldn¡¯t do anything but agree. She understood his friend and the gravity of the situation. She put everything into Liam¡¯s hands and trusted him to do everything to help her.


    They went home and found Daryl in the living room. They talked about thepany issue and the case they were facing. ¡°M, Creep, and I need a bit more time for the evidence. I didn¡¯t want to add to your investigation with your nanny, but I need to report to you as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Daryl. I should be thankful that I have you and Creep to assist me. I don¡¯t know what I would do if you were not here. And that includes you, Liam.¡± Emerald replied, looking at the two men, both looking at her with concern.


    The house is big, and after, they all had dinner together and rested for the night. Even though it was Sunday the next morning, they still had things to do.

 Chapter 47

    In the Higginson mansion, Jace was thinking about his wife. All day, his thoughts were on young Morgan and what she was doing. The problem in herpany bothers him as well, and he wants to help andfort her and be the person who will stay on her side at her most difficult time. To prevent him from going crazy, he decides to go and see his wife.


    ¡°Son, can you sleep with your grannies for tonight?¡± Jace asked. The urge to see his wife became evident, and he thought he would never get rest if he didn¡¯t see her and assured her that she was fine.


    ¡°Alright, Dad. But let me give you this.¡± the boy replied and got off the bed to get his bag. Ace took some keys and handed them to his father. ¡°The guards knew you, so they would let you in, but the house is locked during this time.¡±


    Jace smiled at his son before he took the keys. He also got up from his bed and carried little Ace to bring him to his parents¡¯ bedroom.


    ¡°Are you going to leave?¡± Jessica asked his son.


    ¡°I want to check on Emerald.¡± Young Morgan replied. His parents nodded, and Ace kissed him goodbye before he left.


    Meanwhile, Emerald is in the kitchen to drink a ss of milk. She couldn¡¯t sleep thinking about what she had discovered from Detective Santos. Worry for her nanny was eating her, and even if she didn¡¯t want to think about the worst, she couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious for Lucy¡¯s safety.


    ¡°M.¡± she turned when she heard Liam. ¡°I¡¯m here and going to do everything I can to find your nanny,¡± he added.


    Emerald smiled bitterly. She knew that he was sincere, but knowing how dangerous it had be, she started to worry about him as well. ¡°I just can¡¯t help but think about you too. If what you said was true, then your life will be in danger.¡±


    ¡°I can take care of myself, M.¡±


    ¡°I know, and that made me feel guilty. Just because I know who you are and what you can do, I rely on you so much here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not; I want to do this too. You know what kind of person I am regarding cases and crimes.¡± Liam said, trying to wash away the guilt that Emerald was feeling.


    ¡°Still, I feel like I am the one who is putting your life in danger to save mine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that. It¡¯s also part of my job. Catching bad people is what I was paid for by my government, right?¡± he asked, smiling while scratching the back of his head. Emerald smiled at him after she sighed heavily.


    ¡°I¡¯m really thankful to God that I have you as my friend,¡± she said sincerely. Liam, after hearing that, sighed deeply. For him, Emerald is more than a friend. He likes her, and he is willing to risk his life for her and her happiness.


    Liam pulled Emerald closer to him before hugging her. Young Morgan did the same and let herself be engulfed in the safety of his arms as tears started to run down her cheeks. ¡®I¡¯ll do everything in my power to protect you, M., ¡® he thought as he gently caressed her back.


    On his way to Emerald¡¯s house, Jace couldn¡¯t help but think about what she was doing. He thought that because of herpany¡¯s problem, she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep. It was 9 o¡¯clock when he arrived, and just like Ace said, the guard let him in.


    Young Higginson turned off the engine, exited his car, and rushed to the entrance door. He can¡¯t wait to see his wife even though he already knows she will only shout at him.


    The living room was dim, and Jace noticed the lighting out of the kitchen. He thought someone from the maids was still awake, so he went there to ask about Emerald. But he didn¡¯t expect the scene he would witness as soon as he reached the kitchen. Liam had his back on him there as he hugged Emerald, and her hands wrapped around his waist.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± he eximed, making the two look at him in surprise. Before Liam and Emerald could react, Jace rushed to the man before giving him a hard punch.


    ¡°Jace!¡± Emerald shouted to stop him, but Liam fought back and punched Jace. ¡°Stop it!¡± Young Morgan continued shouting, but the two men didn¡¯t listen. Another punch came, and Jace found himself on the floor. Emerald pulled Liam away.


    Young Higginson didn¡¯t like it even more because he wanted Emerald to be on his side. Because of jealousy, he only saw red and got up, only tond a hit on Liam, who also went down. Jace didn¡¯t give him a chance to get up and joined him on the floor with him on top of Emerald¡¯s friend and continued punching him.


    ¡°Stop it, Jace!¡± Emerald shouted and pulled him away from Liam, but he shoved her before he continued punching the man. The noise reached the maids and Daryl, for which young Morgan was thankful because her friend managed to pull her husband away from Liam.


    ¡°How did you get in?¡± Emerald asked angrily when they finally separated the two. Daryl was holding Jace while she held on to Liam.


    ¡°Does it matter? I saw you two hugging just now. Tell me, when did he arrive, and what have you been doing all this time that Ace is not here?¡± Jace asked angrily.


    ¡°Why do you care? Who are you to question whatever I was doing?¡± Emerald shouted. She was worried about Jace because Liam is well built, and with his work, he¡¯s also used to fighting. But seeing her friend¡¯s face, he couldn¡¯t help but pity him because he took almost every hit Jace gave him.


    ¡°We¡¯re still married, Emerald, and you are still mine. You are not supposed to get intimate with any man other than me.¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°Being married to you doesn¡¯t mean that I will not see another man, Jace. Technically, we¡¯re separated. You should have filed that divorce that you made me sign years ago, and we won¡¯t have any problems now.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it before, so I will not do it now and will never do it in the future. You are stuck with me for the rest of your life. You are mine and only mine. No one can take you away from me, even that bastard.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, I think you miss¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Daryl. Let him think whatever he wants to think.¡± Emerald told her friend, who was about to exin to him the reason why Liam had to stay. She didn¡¯t want Jace to think she was being defensive or trying to exin her side.

 Chapter 48

    ¡°Mr. Higginson, please take this,¡± Daryl told Jace as he handed him the cotton swab and alcohol to clean his wounds. His fight with Liam is intense, and they are both huge and equally strong.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said while ring at Emerald, who was putting some ointment on Liam¡¯s wounds. He was very jealous, thinking he should be the one his wife was taking care of. Although he was the one who started the fight, he justified his actions by being married to her.


    ¡°Is there anywhere that you¡¯re hurt?¡± Emerald asked Liam as she continuously looked at his face and arms.


    ¡°Why are you so concerned about him?¡± Young Higginson asks like a child, but Emerald ignores him, and he doesn¡¯t like it. ¡°Are you not going to answer me?¡± he adds.


    ¡°Ahm, Mr. Higginson, it would be better if you also put some ointment on your wounds.¡± Daryl chimed in. He knew that his friend would only get mad if Jace continued talking.


    ¡°Am I talking to you?¡± he asked angrily.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t want M to get mad at you even more, you have to take my advice and tend to your wounds quietly,¡± Daryl warned him, which earned him a re from Jace, but he did as he said.


    As Jace applies some ointment on his wounds, his eyes do not leave Emerald and Liamughing as they converse. His jealousy leveled up, but he tried to control his anger. He started to pity himself when he realized that his wife never looked at him the whole time, and all her attention was on Liam, who was looking at him from time to time as if telling him that he didn¡¯t matter to Emerald.


    ¡®Make sure to indulge yourself with my wife¡¯s presence now because once I win Emerald back, I will tell her not to even look at you.¡¯ Jace thought.


    ¡°Alright, you can rest now,¡± Emerald said, making Jace look their way.


    ¡°Thanks, M,¡± Liam said, smiling before he got up from the couch to go to his bedroom.


    ¡°Ahm, dear wife,¡± Jace said, trying to get Emerald¡¯s attention. Liam stopped and looked at him. ¡°Can you help me with the ointment? Please?¡± Young Morgan rolled her eyes at him, but she got up from her seat and transferred to the couch beside him.


    ¡°Let me do that for him,¡± Liam said. He didn¡¯t want them to get close to each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you can rest. I know you¡¯re tired.¡± Emerald replied, smiling. Liam didn¡¯t insist because he knew that she didn¡¯t like it. So he nodded and left them.


    ¡°Why is he here?¡± Jace asked as soon as Liam was out of their sight.


    ¡°I am not giving you permission to know anything about me or the people around me,¡± Emerald replied and pressed the cotton swab on his wounds a little harder.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Jace eximed, ¡°Do you want to see me in pain?¡± heined.


    ¡°Yes. So if you didn¡¯t want me to cause you pain, you better mind your own business and leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Young Higginson was upset because of what she said. He tried not to show it but couldn¡¯t, and Emerald noticed it. ¡°Stop acting close to me, Jace, because we¡¯re not. The only thing that connected us was Ace. Because he needed a father. If not, there¡¯s no way I will let you get closer to me.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not true. When will you admit that you still feel something for me?¡± Higginson asked, his eyes not leaving Emerald¡¯s, who was now uneasy. As much as possible, she wants to limit their closeness out of fear that she might not stop herself and forgive him just like that. ¡°I miss you so much, dear wife,¡± Jace said as he caressed her cheeks, making Emerald close her eyes. She liked the feeling of his touch, but when she remembered that she needed to teach him a lesson, she opened her eyes and pressed on his wounds. ¡°Ouch, dear wife, is this how much you love me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s done. If you¡¯ll stay here, choose whichever room you want to sleep in except mine.¡±


    ¡°But I want to sleep in your bedroom.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Emerald shouted and began walking upstairs,


    ¡°Dear wife,¡± Jace continued, so he earned a re from Emerald when she looked back.


    ¡°Why are you even here? Who¡¯s taking care of Ace right now?¡± Young Morgan remembered to ask.


    ¡°Mom and Dad. Before you get mad, I asked for our son¡¯s permission toe here. He even gave me his keys.¡±


    Emerald sighed before she continued going upstairs. She knew how much Ace loved his father and saw how much her son wanted her and Jace to be together. She already had a feeling that the father and son were joining forces to make her forgive her husband, so she was very careful with her actions, as she didn¡¯t want to ruin her n.


    Unknown to them, Liam was watching from the second floor. He got worried when he thought young Higginson was going to kiss Emerald. Although he knew they were still married, he didn¡¯t want to give up on the woman. He wanted her to be his and was willing to fight for her.


    Liam went back to LA for Emerald to see that he was always there for her no matter what and that she could count on him. He didn¡¯t tell young Morgan that he was there to stay and would try everything to make her fall for him, even though he already saw how Emerald reacted in front of Jace.


    ¡®I will make you see that I am the right man for you, M., ¡® Liam told himself as he watched her enter her bedroom before he got inside Ace¡¯s.


    Meanwhile, Jace was also on his way to his son¡¯s room. Since he can¡¯t sleep in Emerald¡¯s room, he decides to go to Ace¡¯s room instead. But when he entered, he saw Liam lying on his son¡¯s bed, and he got furious.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Sleeping,¡± Liam replied,


    ¡°This is my son¡¯s room. Get out and find another room; better yet, sleep on the couch in the living room.¡±


    ¡°Whenever I visit them, I always sleep with Ace.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I care? Let me remind you, I am his father.¡±


    ¡°I was his father when you¡¯re not around.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. But since I am already here and he loves me, you can leave his and Emerald¡¯s lives. My family doesn¡¯t need you because I am more than enough for them.¡± Liam chuckled. Although he was hurt by what he said, he still wanted to fight his feelings as the father figure to Ace.


    ¡°Ace called me Daddy.¡±


    ¡°Which Emerald didn¡¯t agree to.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re talking about the boy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t use my son to get Emerald; I will not let you do that now that I am here.¡±


    ¡°I am not using Ace; you were doing that.¡± Liam replied, ¡°Admit it, Jace. If not for the boy, do you think Emerald would even talk to you?¡± Young Higginson was speechless because he knew that the man had a point. But he didn¡¯t want to admit it.


    ¡°Even so, this is my son¡¯s room. Leave and look for another room.¡±


    ¡°In case you don¡¯t know, I¡¯ve been a father to Ace and a husband to Emerald more than you. When the boy was born, I was with Emerald. Holding her hands when she was trying to push the baby out of her womb almost cost her life. I was there and acted as the father when Ace was very sick and needed a blood transfusion. I was at their every milestone, watching their rtionship as mother and son grow. Tell me, what have you done for them so far?¡± Jace swallowed hard. He lost to Liam, who had been with his family through many ups and downs. He knew because the investigator reported it to him. And even if he didn¡¯t want to, he was also thankful for Liam for helping and being with them all this time. But he¡¯s there now and willing to do more than Liam has done for his family. He thought he had the rest of his life to show Ace and Emerald how much he loved them.

 Chapter 49

    ¡°You take care of my Mommy, Daddy Liam,¡± Ace said when he was about to ride in the car. He kissed his mom goodbye, even though he wanted Emerald to ride with them in his father¡¯s car.


    ¡°No problem, young man. You know I¡¯ll do that even if you don¡¯t remind me.¡± Liam replied, smiling. He will take Emerald to her office, and Jace will send Ace to school.


    ¡°You take care, dear,¡± Emerald said, waving her hand at her son before she went to her car with Liam on the driver¡¯s side.


    On the other hand, Jace gets furious after hearing his son call Liam Daddy. However, he knew Ace was still too young to understand him and that the man had not done anything wrong to harm his son. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white, as he navigated through the familiar route to his son¡¯s school. Beside him, Ace sat quietly, sensing the tension and his dad¡¯s uneasiness.


    ¡°Dad, can we listen to the radio?¡± Ace¡¯s voice was soft, almost hesitant.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Young Higginson forced a smile, ncing at his son briefly before turning his attention back to the road.


    ¡°Sure, buddy.¡± He reached over and switched on the radio, but the cheerful tunes did little to alleviate the heavy silence. He asionally nced into the rearview mirror, half expecting to see the pickup that had be a constant source of frustration as he drove. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of his wifeughing with Liam. Even thinking his name made Jace¡¯s jaw clench. ¡®Why did she need to carpool with him, of all people?¡¯ he asked himself.


    ¡°Dad, are you okay?¡± Ace¡¯s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah, son, I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied, trying to sound convincing. ¡°I¡¯m just a bit tired.¡±


    The boy nodded, looking unconvinced. He looked out the window, watching the houses and trees blur past. Jace took a deep breath, trying to focus on the road, not the scenarios ying out in his mind. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Emerald and Liam talked about and what jokes they shared. ¡®Did it go beyond just carpooling?¡¯


    In the mirror, a pickup caught his eye. There it was: Emerald¡¯s vehicle trailing behind. Jace¡¯s grip tightened again. He looked at Ace, engrossed in his world and humming along with the radio.


    ¡°Is everything okay at school, buddy?¡± He inquired more to distract himself than out of genuine curiosity.


    ¡°Yeah, Dad. My teacher said I did well on my art drawing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great, son. I¡¯m proud of you,¡± he said, his voice softer. He ruffled Ace¡¯s hair, forcing a genuine smile this time.


    As they pulled up to the school, Jace¡¯s eyes lingered on the pickup as it drove past. Emerald was in the passenger seat, her head tilted back inughter at something Liam had said. Young Higginson¡¯s chest tightened.


    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re here,¡± Ace said, unbuckling his seatbelt.


    ¡°Right, right.¡± Jace shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. ¡°Have a good day, son.¡± He leaned over to give Ace a quick hug.


    ¡°Bye, Dad.¡± The boy hopped out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder, and ran towards the school entrance.


    Jace watched until his son disappeared into the building. He sighed, leaning back in his seat, feeling the weight of his jealousy pressing down on him. He knew he had to talk to Emerald, but the words were elusive. Starting the car again, he drove off, his mind in doubt and frustration.


    Jace drove aimlessly for a few minutes, trying to shake the image of his wifeughing with Liam. He finally pulled into a quiet park, hoping fresh air would clear his head. Stepping out of the car, he walked over to a bench and sat down, staring at the distant horizon.


    Memories of times with Emerald flooded his mind-from when he first saw her until they lived together. He remembers how much he wanted to touch and engulfed her in his arms, reassuring her that he was there for her. However, he also recalls that he could not provide herfort or express his genuine emotions. ¡®My stupidity!¡¯  he eximed internally when he remembered how foolish he was for taking revenge on someone who had done nothing wrong.


    His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. It was a text from Emerald.


    Emerald: I will bete going to yourpany. Liam and I need to go somewhere.


    Jace stared at the message with a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew he needed to confront his feelings but wasn¡¯t sure how to begin. He decided to call his friend. Kyle had always been good at giving no-nonsense advice. He dialed the number and waited.


    ¡°Hey, man! What¡¯s up?¡± Kyle¡¯s cheerful voice came through the line.


    ¡°Hey, I need to talk. Got a few minutes?¡±


    ¡°Of course. What¡¯s going on?¡± Jace took a deep breath and exined everything-Emerald¡¯s carpooling with Liam, his growing jealousy, and the text she had just sent. He felt a bit better just by voicing his concerns. ¡°Man, that sounds rough,¡± Kyle said after a pause. ¡°Have you talked to Emerald about how you¡¯re feeling?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I don¡¯t want toe off as paranoid or controlling.¡±


    ¡°I get that. But keeping it all inside isn¡¯t helping either. You need to have an honest conversation with her. Trust is key in any rtionship, but so ismunication.¡±


    Young Higginson nodded, even though Kyle couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll talk to herter.¡±


    ¡°Good. And hey, try to keep an open mind. It might be nothing, you know?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I hope so. Thanks, man.¡± he said, but he knew too well what was happening between his wife and Liam before they met again.


    ¡°No problem. Anytime.¡± Jace ended the call and sat longer, thinking about his friend¡¯s words. He knew he had to trust Emerald, but he also needed her to understand how this situation affected him.


    He got back in the car and drove to work, trying to focus on the tasks ahead. The morning passed in a blur of meetings and emails, but his thoughts drifted back to the conversation he needed to have with Emerald.


    He fetches Ace from school, returns to his office, and works again. All those times, he keeps himself busy to bury the jealousy that has been eating him. He is aware of his past actions towards his wife and knows that confronting her now would not be beneficial. He knows that, so he ns to keep his cool and listen to her as much as possible, as long as he conveys his feelings.


    Jace stood at Emerald¡¯s office door. She was busy typing on herputer. He had decided that this conversation couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    ¡°Hi,¡± he said, trying to keep his voice steady. Emerald looks up with a creased forehead. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°What is it about?¡± Young Morgan inquired, but she quickly returned her focus to herputer, which hurt Jace¡¯s feelings. He thought that his chance of getting her back was blurry since Liam was around.


    ¡°Us.¡± Emerald¡¯s finger stopped typing, and her eyes flew to him.


    ¡°How many times do I need to tell you that we have nothing to talk about?¡± she replied before she continued typing.


    ¡°Emerald, please listen to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done listening to you, Jace.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. You consistently push me away whenever I attempt tomunicate with you.¡± As he approached her table, Jace spoke softly. ¡°I love you, Emerald; I always do.¡±


    ¡°I already told you you never loved me. If you did, you would not have done what you did to me.¡±


    ¡°I know. All I¡¯m asking is for you to allow me to show you how much I love you and how regretful I am.¡±


    ¡°And you thought it was that easy?¡±


    ¡°No. I also know it would be hard for you, so I decided to do everything slowly. To woo you while I show you how much you and our son mean to me.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you doing here? Why do we need to talk when you already decided to woo and wait for me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of that guy!¡± Jace eximed, making Emerald silent. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m jealous of him. He was there when you and our son needed me most! He has been with you when you started your motherhood.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to bring those times back, Jace.¡±


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s why I¡¯m acting like this. I feel like that bastard knows you more than I do. When I am your husband, and you are my wife.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re never a couple, Jace.¡±


    ¡°Still, we¡¯re married.¡±


    ¡°Not in the true sense of it. At least for you. Because when we were together, I was the happiest, being with the man I love. It¡¯s all in the past, Jace, and we can¡¯t turn it back. All we have to do is move on.¡±


    ¡°And what, you¡¯ll live with that bastard?¡±


    ¡°I told you  who Liam is in my life.¡±


    ¡°I know what you said,¡± Jace replied, struggling to keep his voice even. ¡°But I need to understand why you spend so much time with him. It¡¯s driving me crazy, Emerald. I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my friend. An important friend.¡±


    ¡°A friend you kissed and fucked.¡± Desperation tinged Jace¡¯s voice as he ran a hand through his hair, feeling the frustration build. ¡°It just feels like there¡¯s more to it. You¡¯re alwaysughing with him and enjoying hispany. It makes me feel¡­ I don¡¯t know, insecure.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything about how you feel.¡±


    ¡°You can do something, Emerald,¡± Jace replied, which made young Morgan¡¯s forehead crease. ¡°ept me again. Please let me take care of you and Ace,¡± he added pleadingly.


    ¡°You¡¯re impossible, Jace. If you have nothing to say, you can leave. You¡¯re disturbing me, and I want to finish my work in time.¡± Young Morgan said, looking deep into his eyes.


    Young Higginson met her eyes, trying to see the sincerity in her expression, but he failed. She was stoic, and he couldn¡¯t even guess what she was thinking.

 Chapter 50

    ¡°M, are you alright?¡± Creep asked when he noticed Emerald looking at a distance.


    ¡°Huh?¡± young Morgan said, looking at him and Daryl alternately unaware of what they say.


    ¡°You look so disturbed; what is it? Did something happen in the Software Group?¡± Daryl asked.


    ¡°No, nothing. Everything¡¯s good there, and I think we will be able to finish the game in no time.¡± Young Morgan replied immediately. It was the truth; everything ran smoothly in her team, but she was only troubled by what Jace had told her.


    ¡°Then what were you thinking? I¡¯ve been discussing some things here, and we can¡¯t get a response from you,¡± her friend Creep asked, concerned.


    ¡°It¡¯s personal, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? Do you want us to cancel this meeting?¡±


    ¡°No, Daryl. Let¡¯s continue. We have to settle this case, or thatpany will continue doing something like this. And who knows, they might target us again.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Alright, then, get yourself up. You must listen and understand everything, or we won¡¯t finish anything.¡± Creep said,


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Emerald said apologetically. ¡°Where were we?¡± she asked, and they discussed it again. This time, Emerald gave them her full attention.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson sent his attorney to us, and we have already talked,¡± Creep informed, making her nod in acknowledgment. ¡°He said he¡¯d take care of everything as long as we give them all the evidence that we have and provide him with everything he needed when submitting relevant documents about the game.¡±


    ¡°Please do as he says. It¡¯s a relief that we don¡¯t need to go through every trial without worry.¡± Emerald agreed.


    ¡°So, you must rx and focus on your projects and your nanny¡¯s case. Liam already told us about some details, and I hope the detective will finally find her through the leads that he got from Sorrento.¡± Creep said, concerned.


    ¡°I hope so, too.¡±


    After all their discussion, Emerald ended the day in ACEGame and went home. Liam was not there because he had to go to a ce that Sorrento told Detective Santos. She found her son and Jace ying happily in the living room when she got in. It was a sight she never thought she would witness after discovering she was pregnant. She didn¡¯t know how long she had been standing there, but Ace¡¯s voice made her return to her senses.


    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re home!¡±


    ¡°Yes, dear. How was your day at school?¡± she said as she approached her son with a broad smile. She didn¡¯t want Ace to think that she was sad because she wouldn¡¯t be able to deny that, knowing for a moment she was.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s good, Mom. And I enjoyed it so much. I have a lot of friends now, and they like me too,¡± the boy said as she led her to the couch where his father was. Emerald slumped herself and leaned back, and young Higginson saw tiredness and weariness on her face even though she was smiling.


    Ace sat beside Emerald and started massaging her hands, making her smile at him and say. ¡°My sweet little boy.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, Mom. I want you to feel rxed when you get home.¡±


    ¡°I already feel rxed the moment I see you.¡± the boy smiled at her, ¡°It¡¯s okay now, darling. You can stop and y.¡± Ace nodded before he went down from the couch and got his toys sitting on the floor. Jace looked at Emerald and then sat beside her.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she whispered. She didn¡¯t want to get their son¡¯s attention.


    ¡°You look tired,¡± Jace said instead, but he chuckled when he heard what Emerald said in a low voice,


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I¡¯m perfectly fine, and I don¡¯t need you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, if you say so,¡± Jace replied, smiling. Although he had not gotten over theirst conversation, he couldn¡¯t help but feel happy now that he was seeing his wife and talking to her. The absence of Liam¡¯s presence in the house made him feel like the happiest man on earth.


    ¡°Mom, where¡¯s uncle Liam?¡± Ace asked suddenly, making EMerald¡¯s forehead crease.


    ¡°Uncle?¡± she asked the boy, who nodded and replied,


    ¡°Daddy said he was jealous when I called someone else Daddy. So, I decided to call him uncle instead.¡± Young Morgan looked at Jace, who just shrugged his shoulders. Liam is her friend, and although she doesn¡¯t like Ace to call her friend Daddy, she also doesn¡¯t like the boy to avoid him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like him now?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°Of course not! I love Uncle Liam, and that will never change. He has been good to me and you ever since, but I also didn¡¯t want Daddy to feel sad.¡± The boy replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mommy. Uncle Liam holds a special ce in my heart. I know how good he is, and I also know that he will do everything for us.¡±


    Emerald was touched and felt proud of Ace. She knew that he was smart and very understanding. But he was still young, so she didn¡¯t expect him to say something like what he had just said. On the other hand, Jace felt a pang of pain in his chest, knowing another man was out there, his son treated as a father. Although he didn¡¯t like it, he also couldn¡¯t prevent the boy from feeling that way towards the man he was jealous of. He was gone for years, and Liam had been a father to Ace, so there was nothing that he could do but ept the fact that other than him, Ace had another father through Liam.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go to my room and rest,¡± Emerald said after a few minutes.


    ¡°Alright, Mom. We¡¯ll call you at dinnertime.¡± Ace replied happily.


    ¡°Please do that, baby,¡± Emerald replied before she got up, kissing Ace before going upstairs. Jace followed her with his gaze since she didn¡¯t even look at him, and young Morgan felt conscious of the kind of look he was giving her.


    ¡°I should stop thinking about him,¡± Emerald told herself after she entered her bedroom and started undressing. ¡°A good bath will calm my nerves,¡± she added as she wore her robe before entering the bathroom and taking a bath.


    Emerald was drying her hair when her room door opened, and Jace came in, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked with wide eyes. She didn¡¯t want to be alone with him yet since she felt she wanted him more than ever. ¡®Oh, this is not good.¡¯ she thought when she saw him lock the door.

 Chapter 51

    WARNING!! MATURE CONTENT!!


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk Emerald.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re done talking. How many times do I need to tell you that?¡± she replied as she put down her hair blower. She¡¯s still in her robe and is worried that something might happen to them.


    ¡°Is Liam still staying here?¡¯


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to get his ce to stay in. I didn¡¯t like him here.¡±


    ¡°This is my house, Jace. If I let youe here, why would I not let him?¡±


    ¡°Do you know how much I think about you and him living together? When is he going toe back to his country?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°What? Then he¡¯ll be staying here for good? No, I am not going to let him do that. You are mine, Emerald, and I will never share you with him or any bastard!¡± Jace said angrily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you have the right to¡±


    ¡°I have all the right, Emerald! You¡¯re my fucking wife!¡± he said, cutting off her words, making her chuckle. She couldn¡¯t understand why his possessiveness was turning her on. But she tried topose herself and reply,


    ¡°Leave, Jace. I said I want to rest.¡± But young Higginson didn¡¯t listen to her. Instead, he walked closer and looked at her intently as if trying to reach her soul. His eyes were lustful as he looked down at her neck and then at her slightly exposed breasts. Emerald held her robe tighter when she noticed his hands went up and said,


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, Emerald, and I didn¡¯t want to share you with anyone.¡± His voice was husky, bringing a chill down young Morgan¡¯s spine. He swallowed hard, feeling turned on and wanton. Then he lowered his face and nted a soft kiss close to her lips, which were already parted.


    ¡®Shit, I want to pull him closer. I want him; I want this damn man.,¡¯ she thought, trying to pull herself together or she would end up beneath him. Just as she was about to move away, Jace pulled her by her waist and imed her mouth.


    Instantly, Emerald closed her eyes. She liked how he kissed her obsessively and possessively as if there was no tomorrow. And she responds to it with the same intensity every time that happens. Making him feel how much she liked what they were doing and how much she wanted more from him.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Jace was obliged to do everything each time, thinking it would make his wife happy. Slowly, he takes off the robe that covers Emerald¡¯s body as her hand starts to unbutton his polo until he is half-naked.


    As Jace ran his hands on her body, Emerald did the same. She liked the feeling of his broad chest, which made her feel safe, protected, and satisfied.


    Jace¡¯s kisses traveled down her neck, giving her a little bite, which Emerald thought would leave a markter. He was iming her. He wanted her to know she was his, and he would never let anyone take her away. He pulled her closer with his arm behind her waist as his other hand was gently massaging her breast before he sucked in her nipple on the other.


    Emerald arched her body, giving her husband full ess to her bosom as she felt her body drawn into a pit of fire. She heard the sound of Jace making every time he sucked her nipple, and it made her more wanton, pulling his head even closer. ¡®Everything he does to me makes me feel like a sex addict.¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Ahh. Jace, that feels good¡­ Oh, I love it, don¡¯t stop!¡± she screamed when young Higginson gave her nipples a slight bite alternately.


    Jace carried her and put them down on her bed while he continued sucking and nipping her nipples. Emerald didn¡¯t stop him, especially when he started kissing down to her stomach until he reached her pussy.


    She gasped when she felt his warm breath fanning her folds before she felt his tongue on her clit. ¡°Ahhh¡­ shit, Jace, don¡¯t stop!!¡± she screamed again. Jace smiled internally, loving how much of a screamer she was. Jace brushed her clit with his tongue, making Emerald tilt her head. She doesn¡¯t know what she will do because of the pleasure that young Higginson is making her feel. ¡°Jace, I want you inside me now..¡± she pleaded.


    He looked up, meeting her gaze with both their eyes filled with lust, ¡°Say that again, dear wife.¡± hemanded, but young Morgan didn¡¯t care and repeated what she just said,


    ¡°I want you inside me now. I want you to fuck me now¡­¡± she screamed as she felt him thrust his tongue inside her core, moving faster that, made Emerald cummed in no time. ¡°Ohhh¡­ Ahhh¡­¡±


    Young Higginson got up and unbuckled his pants before he pulled it down with his briefs. Emerald was watching him, and even if she just cummed, she still wanted to feel him inside her, and she felt like he was teasing her as he slowly joined her on her bed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fuck you like there¡¯s no tomorrow, dear wife,¡± he said before he bent her over and roughly thrust his length.


    ¡°Agh! You¡¯re so big, Jace.¡±


    ¡°You like my size?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I love it,¡± Emerald replied, looking over her shoulder. She wanted to see how Jace looked if she said that, and she was satisfied with the kind of smile he gave her. ¡°Now, fuck me as much as you want, dear husband.¡±


    With what she said, young Higginson became more wanton than he already was. He loved the sound of endearment his wife had called him and wanted to perform more, hoping he would hear her say those words again.


    Then, the next thing they could hear in her bedroom was the pping sound of their skin as Jace pounding on her harder, as well as their names when they screamed when they felt the building of love, desire, and lust in between their legs and release it.


    ¡°Ahh. Emerald, I love you so much, dear wife¡­¡±


    ¡°Ohh, that was good sex..¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just sex, dear wife. We just made love. I love you, I love you. I am never going to stop saying that until you realize it.¡±


    Emerald looked at him. They were lying on her bed, still in euphoria, but she couldn¡¯t help but feel the need to kiss Jace. Without a thought, he pulled his head and kissed him. ¡°I love you, Jace, but I¡¯m scared and I can¡¯t be with you. I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯d do what you did to me again when I¡¯m all over you and have invested all my feelings and emotions.¡±


    Jace was seething with frustration. The events of that fateful afternoon with Emerald had left him in a state of emotional disarray. Despite his desperate attempts to save their rtionship, she had remained unyielding. The weight of his promise to his son only added to his destion.


    Emerald, on the other hand, was left in her bed with tears falling down when Jace closed the door after he left her bedroom. Young Morgan didn¡¯t know what she should do. She was still suffering from the pain that her husband had caused her, and at the same time, she still loved him. Now that young Higginson told her how much he loved her, she still couldn¡¯t believe it even after Jack confirmed it.


    A weekter, Emerald went to work at SoftWare Group and kept herself busy when one of her team members knocked on her office. ¡°Ma¡¯am Emerald, someone wants to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°A certain Cedrick Rosa,¡±


    ¡®Cedrick Rosa,¡¯ she mused, the name unfamiliar to her. ¡®Who could this be?¡¯ Her curiosity piqued, and she instructed her team member to allow the visitor in.

 Chapter 52

    ¡°Mr. Cedrick Rosa?¡± Emerald asked as the man entered her office. He nodded and offered his hand for a shake, which young Morgan epted, motioning him to sit on a chair before her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Cedrick said, taking the seat. ¡°I know you¡¯re wondering who and why I am here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you to tell me that,¡± Emerald replied, smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m a detective,¡± he said, creasing Emerald¡¯s forehead. She doesn¡¯t know any reason for a detective to visit her.


    ¡°And what can I do for you, Mr. Detective?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I want to know where Ms. Ember Ferguson is.¡± Emerald was stunned. She couldn¡¯t say anything and was just looking at the man. ¡°Ms. Morgan?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking me about her?¡± Young Morgan finally got her tongue back.


    ¡°You know why. She used to take care of you.¡± Cedrick answered with a creased forehead. ¡°Ms. Morgan, I have been trying to find her whereabouts, and all my investigation has led to you.¡±


    ¡°Why are you looking for her? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re the detective Liam was talking about; that was also after my nanny.¡±


    ¡°I was indeed after your nanny. I mean, Ms. Ember, but not for the bad reason.¡± Cedrick replied. ¡°My client, Mr. Landers, was the man she loved and loved her back and was supposed to marry through an arranged marriage. But since she didn¡¯t know that, she left their home and changed her name.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Emerald said, confused. Although Liam already told me about her nanny¡¯s real identity, she still couldn¡¯t believe it was true.


    ¡°And let me add some to your confusion,¡± the detective continued. ¡°This is not the first time I¡¯ve seen you. The first one was in the hospital, and you were about to leave with a boy, your son. And since then, I couldn¡¯t help but think about you.¡±


    ¡°Wait, detective. I am married and have a son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you misunderstand, but it¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Cedrick said as he waved his hands.


    ¡°What is it that you mean then?¡±


    ¡°When I first saw you, you looked familiar. I was talking to Mr. Landers that time, and then I realized that you look exactly like him.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ember is also Mr. Lander¡¯s only love; before Ms. Ember left, something happened to them.¡±


    ¡°Can you go straight to the point?¡± Emerald asked in annoyance. She was feeling impatient and started to get curious.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I had a feeling that you are somehow rted to him. I told Mr. Landers about you, and I really want to know, so can you let me have your DNA test?¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For being Mr. Landers¡¯ daughter.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you crazy? I have my parents and family!¡±


    ¡°Who are not good to you and never treated you like one. That is ording to my investigation. I¡¯m sorry if I must look into your life, but I stumbled upon it while searching for Ms. Ember. I know it was hard to digest everything I was telling you, but believe it or not, and I¡¯m really sorry because I am excited about this. I will also be very happy if what my instinct tells me turns out to be the truth.¡± Emerald was quiet for a moment. Yes, never in her entire life have her parents treated her the way they treated Emerose. She felt like an outcast and was never loved. ¡°Ms. Morgan, I hope you will let me.¡±


    ¡°So what if I am not their family member?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Then Mr. Landers will be very happy. You don¡¯t know how much he wanted to be with your mother, Ms. Ember. I had been searching for her for years; others did that before me. If I can find you and Ms. Ember, it will be my greatest aplishment in my entire career. And you haven¡¯t asked, but Mr. Landers is also my friend, so I will be very happy to help him this way.¡±


    Young Morgan was filled with hope. She wanted a family who would care and love her for who and what she was. She looked at Cedrick, thinking whether she would let him get her DNA, and was hesitant. But the urge of curiosity was pushing her, so she replied,


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do that.¡± Cedrick looked at her happily. Although he knew what she had been through with her family, he still thought that he would have a hard time making her agree to a DNA test.


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Morgan,¡± he said. ¡°About Ms. Ember,¡±


    ¡°Whether you believe me or not, I had also been searching for her. And whenever I thought I was close to finding her, she was gone.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Cedrick asked curiously, so Emerald told him everything she had learned about her missing nanny and how Liam and Detective Santos were also doing their best to look for her. ¡°Will you be willing to share all the information you have so far? I knew about her disappearance as Lucy Caldwell, but I had no idea it was this serious.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Emerald asked. She was curious to know others¡¯ opinions.


    ¡°If Mrs. Morgan was behind it, then she should be dead by now. But none of us found her body or any dead bodies that matched her identity. So I think the one who took her must also have some feelings for her.¡±


    ¡°Then she¡¯s probably alive and well right now,¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s alive, that¡¯s for sure. But for being well, I doubt it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because being in the arms of a person who took you away from your daughter and she didn¡¯t love, what do you think she was feeling right now?¡± Young Morgan couldn¡¯t say anything and was staring at the detective. After a few minutes,


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk when they¡¯re back,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°While I wait for them, I will give your samples to theboratory with Mr. Landers¡¯ sample.¡±


    ¡°That would be good. I¡¯ll call you when my friends are back,¡± Emerald said, making Cedrick nod in agreement. He left his contact number before he left her office. Hopeful that she was indeed rted to Mr. Landers. Although he could see their resemnce, he still wanted to make sure. His client and friend¡¯s happiness was at stake, so he wanted to ensure everything was correct and urate.


    Young Morgan was left in deep thought. She remembered how her parents treated her while her nanny always protected her from them. She remembered how much she felt loved whenever Lucy was consoling her, sayingforting words that alleviated her heartaches caused by her family.


    ¡®What if she is my real mother?¡¯ she asked herself. But shook her head, ¡®Why didn¡¯t she tell me about it if she was?¡¯ Emerald closed her eyes with a heavy heart and reminisced that she was very happy in her nanny¡¯s arms. Then she thought about what Cedrick had told her. ¡®Will I be able to feel the love of a family?¡¯ she asked herself.

 Chapter 53

    ¡°That¡¯s all I found out about Ms. Morgan¡¯s nanny,¡± Ronnie said.


    ¡°Ember Ferguson,¡± Jace said in a low voice, thinking. ¡°She¡¯s wealthy, being the only heiress of the Ferguson Tel; why wouldn¡¯t she want to marry Mr. Landers, who is also a billionaire?¡±


    ¡°The only reason I could think of is that she¡¯s in love with someone else.¡±


    ¡°Ronnie, I haven¡¯t seen Mr. Landers; what does he look like?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. He always avoided the press and never showed up for any invitations to any business gatherings. He kept himself low profile, and even his rtives were unaware of his appearance.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible for you to get a photo of him?¡±


    ¡°I will try, Mr. Higginson. But I can¡¯t promise you a good result.¡±


    ¡°Tell me anything you need, and I will provide you. I want to know whether he was behind the disappearance of Emerald¡¯s nanny.¡±


    ¡°Copy that, Mr. Higginson.¡± Ronnie got up from his seat and left.


    Jace was left in his living room. It was Sunday afternoon, and he stayed in his penthouse since Ace didn¡¯t go to his parents because Emerald wanted to be with him. He didn¡¯t want to ruin their time together because their son had spent his time with him and his parents in the Higginson mansion for the past consecutive weekends.


    He took the chance to talk to his detective and was d he did. Ronnie had been trying to make an appointment to see him. Still, because of his busy schedule, his secretary couldn¡¯t find a suitable time.


    ¡°Ember Ferguson,¡± he said. ¡°Why would you choose to leave? If you had someone you love, who is he, and why didn¡¯t you go with him instead of applying as a nanny to the Morgans?¡± he added.


    Young Higginson got up from his couch and went to his mini bar. He poured a small amount of rum in his ss before he drank it. He wanted to find Lucy to make Emerald happy. He remembers how she looked when she went to the Morgan¡¯s mansion after discovering that her nanny was missing.


    He wanted to hug andfort her, but his n to take revenge on her took over him, so he didn¡¯t. Now, he felt devastated. ¡°I should have helped her that time,¡± she said and drank from his ss again, which he had just poured rum into.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d be here,¡± said the voice, making Jace look at his penthouse door.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Kyle? It¡¯s Sunday, you should be with your wife.¡±


    ¡°I was wondering why you¡¯re not calling me. I thought everything was going smooth at your end, so why are you drinking by yourself?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Emerald.¡±


    Kyle sighed, looking at Jace pitifully. Although he was happy that Emerald let Ace spend time with the Higginsons and his friend, he still knew that something was missing in his friend without Emerald epting and forgiving him.


    ¡°What about her?¡± he asked, concerned.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with me.¡±


    ¡°You know it¡¯s natural for her to feel that way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± Jace replied, ¡°But something happened to us already a few times, and I knew she liked it as well. She even admitted it.¡± Kyle was stunned, staring at young Higginson nkly.


    ¡°Wait, did I hear you right? Something happened to you two?¡± Kyle asked in disbelief, and Jace nodded. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she just ept you then?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still hurting. I felt it in her every touch and kiss; she still loves me and says so herself.¡±


    ¡°But she was traumatized by what you did to her,¡± Kyle added, making Jace sigh heavily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. I¡¯ve tried everything, but she still pushes me away.¡±


    ¡°What about that man?¡± Kyle poured a ss of rum, joining his friend in his afternoon drinking.


    ¡°That¡¯s what scares me the most. Liam had been helping her find her nanny all this time. I¡¯m afraid that he wouldpletely take all of Emerald¡¯s affection once he seeded. She might not love him, but she might ept him out of gratitude.¡± Jace said worriedly.


    ¡°Then you should find her nanny first,¡± Kyle suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been doing. Even before I discovered that Liam was searching for her nanny, I asked Ronnie to look for her.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°I found out that she¡¯s the only heiress of the Ferguson Tel in Italy.¡±


    ¡°What? Then how did she be Emerald¡¯s nanny?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°She ran away from home because she didn¡¯t want to get married to Mr. Landers.¡±


    ¡°You mean, Landers? The wealthiest man in Italy as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t she want to marry him? Even if she doesn¡¯t love him, he¡¯s still Landers.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought too. Being the only heiress of the tel, I thought she would be willing to do anything for theirpany as well. I think she¡¯s different from other women because Ronnie thinks she likes someone else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible!¡± Kyle replied quickly.


    ¡°You think so too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course! You don¡¯t know what a woman in love can do.¡± Jace nodded. He thought both Kyle and Ronnie had a point.


    ¡°But the hell with her reason, that won¡¯t solve my problem with Emerald.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡± Kyle agreed, ¡°How about your divorce?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t signed the papers yet, but she insisted I should. She wanted to be free from me.¡± Young Higginson said in a low voice, drinking his rum in one gulp.


    ¡°Are you going to let her?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid, Kyle. I will do anything to stop her. I will keep on showing her how much I love her. Ace is on my side, so I will take advantage of that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re using your son¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. It was his n. You don¡¯t know how much our son wants us back together. If only I was the one to decide, we would have been together ever since I saw her again.¡±


    ¡°I am your friend, and I want the best for you. I am here if you ever need anything.¡± Kyle said, showing his support.


    Jace nodded at his friend, feeling grateful. Kyle was the only one among his friends who stayed by his side. He believed in him when they were in college and supported his business, which eventually became sessful. His sess was also Kyle¡¯s, so young Higginson was happy he had him.


    Now that Jace is facing a personal problem, he knows he can count on Kyle. They click their ss of rum for a cheer and drink it in one gulp together before pouring their ss with rum again.


    ¡°For the sess of whatever ns you have to win Emerald back,¡± Kyle said, offering a toast that Jace epted. He then drank the rum again, hoping that young Morgan would ept him again.

 Chapter 54

    ¡°Liam, I¡¯m d you¡¯re back,¡± Emerald said after seeing her friend entering her house. She was on her way to the kitchen but was stopped by his presence.


    ¡°Yeah, finally.¡±


    ¡°How did it go? Did you find anything?¡± I asked hopefully.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, M, we failed.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get anything?¡±


    ¡°We did, but just another lead.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s good. I mean, it¡¯s better than nothing, right?¡±


    ¡°I think so, too, but I don¡¯t know,¡± Liam said as he sat on the couch. Emerald is following him with her gaze before she sits opposite him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to burden you with this,¡±


    ¡°No, M. I volunteered for this case, so you don¡¯t have to feel guilty.¡±


    ¡°Hi, Uncle Liam!!¡± Ace greeted him excitedly.


    ¡°Hey, little man.¡± The boy jumped at him, sitting on hisp,ughing.


    ¡°I missed you, Uncle Liam.¡±


    ¡°And I missed you too. How are you? Have you been good?¡±


    Emerald smiled, looking at them, thinking nothing had changed between them, even if Ace hadn¡¯t called Liam Daddy anymore. At first, she thought her friend would take it differently, but she was d that he understood.


    ¡°Tomorrow is Saturday. Do you want to go out tonight and have some fun?¡± Liam asked the boy, who nodded excitedly before looking at Emerald.


    ¡°Alright, we will go.¡± Young Morgan said, knowing what her son would tell her. Ace jumped for joy and called his nanny to tell her they would leave.


    ¡°You¡¯re spoiling him, you know,¡± Emerald said as the boy prepared to get dressed.


    ¡°I have been busy, and I believe you are too; it¡¯s important to have time with him, or he will try to get it from other people, right?¡± Liam said, smiling.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°When ites to Ace and you, I will never get tired.¡± Emerald smiled at him, thinking how lucky she was to have him as her friend. A part of her felt sad for him since she could not reciprocate his feelings and wished to have loved him instead of Jace.


    ¡°Thank you, Liam. You¡¯re truly a good friend,¡± she said, making the handsome man look at him, smiling, hiding the pain in his heart for calling him her friend.


    The three left with the nanny. Liam was driving while Emerald was in the passenger seat, and Ace and his nanny were in the backseat. If you look at them, you¡¯ll think they were a family of three.


    They end up in a park, and the two friends let the boy run around and y. His nanny followed him wherever he went, so Emerald felt a little relieved. ¡°I¡¯m happy that Ace is happy now,¡± Liam said as they watched the boy after they sat on a vacant bench.


    Emerald nodded, ¡°Yes, he is. Jace brought him to his parents, and my son loves it. He likes his little cousin and grandparents.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about bringing him to your parents; they will never teach him anything good if you introduce your son to them.¡± Emerald chuckled and said,


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Look at what happened to Emerose. She¡¯s a spoiled brat. She could have done something for the grocery stores but chose to follow our mother.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m d you¡¯re nothing like her or them.¡± Liam said, ¡°It may be hard for you, especially when we haven¡¯t found your nanny. I know you wanted to see and be with her already since your family disregarded you.¡±


    ¡°I am not a little girl who would sumb to the feeling of emptiness because my family doesn¡¯t care or love me,¡±


    ¡°I know, but you¡¯re still a woman, a daughter, and a little sister who would want to be loved and taken care of. It¡¯s hard; that¡¯s why I admire you for being strong. Not just as a woman or person, but as a mother to your son who managed to raise him as a very intelligent and kind boy.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing important in my life right now but Ace and my nanny. When I have them both, everything will be okay for me, and I will be the happiest woman on earth.¡±


    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to give up the search either. I promise to do everything to find her, M.¡±


    Emerald felt happy. ¡°Speaking of nanny, the other party you said was looking for her, so he went to see me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Liam eximed.


    ¡°I want to call you as soon as we¡¯re done talking, but I couldn¡¯t reach you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the ind we were in is very isted, and the signal is bad. Tell me, what did he say?¡± he asked, and Emerald began to tell him everything.


    ¡°Are you sure? When will the resulte out?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, how long does a DNA test usually take?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°It depends; you can rush it if you want to,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Liam, is it bad to wish nanny Lucy to be my real mother?¡± Emerald asked out of nowhere. The man looked at her and knew exactly what she was thinking. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not because she¡¯s wealthy and has a boyfriend who was wealthier,¡±


    ¡°I understand, M. And believe it or not, I wish for that too. I want her to be your mother instead of that Merly Morgan. I want her and Mr. Landers to be your parents because I know they will care for you, so you don¡¯t need to exin.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡±


    Liam pulled her closer before hugging her, trying tofort Emerald the best he could.


    Young Morgan pulled away from Liam, wiping her tears. She looked up to him, smiling before she sighed and averted her gaze back to her son, who was still ying and running with his nanny andughing with him.


    The park is a famous go-to ce for kids in their neighborhood because of its child-friendly environment. It has a yground covered with artificial grass, so parents don¡¯t need to worry about their kids getting hurt.


    It was surrounded by a knee-high fence, making the kids visible to their parents, who sat on the benches from the park surrounding the yground and looked after them.


    asionally, Ace would wave his hands to both Liam and Emerald. He would call them, and the two would smile back at him.


    Ace was making a turn after he went on a slide and went back. Emerald can see him even if she is talking to Liam. ¡°Mom, are we going to eat out after this?¡± Ace asked, shouting.


    Emerald got up from the bench, walked closer to him, and said, ¡°If you want to.¡±


    The boy jumped for joy and continued ying while Emerald returned to the bench where Liam was still sitting, watching them.


    ¡°Where do you n to bring the boy for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Ace loves fast food, so I guess the one outside this park will be good.¡± Liamughed at Emerald¡¯s reply. He knew about it as well because he was the one who introduced fast food to the boy.


    ¡°What¡¯s taking him so long?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Ace. Why isn¡¯t he not sliding yet?¡± Emerald replied, asking. She got up and walked to the yground, followed by Liam. ¡°Ace,¡± she shouted when she arrived at the slide where the boy was earlier. When she looked down, she found her son¡¯s shoes. ¡°No, no, no,¡± Young Morgan said, panicking.


    ¡°Wait, M. Rx; he must be on the swing or the seesaw with his nanny. Come on, and let¡¯s find him.¡± Liam said, trying to calm Emerald. He grabbed her hand and started to roam around, searching for Ace and his nanny.

 Chapter 55

    Emerald¡¯s heart raced as she frantically scanned the yground, her eyes wide with panic. The cheerfulughter of other children felt like a cruel mockery of her fear. Ace had disappeared from her sight. Just moments ago, he was ying on the slide with his nanny, watching over him.


    ¡°Liam, we need to find him. We need to find Ace!¡± Her voice trembled, tears welling as she grabbed her friend¡¯s arm. Liam nodded and ced a reassuring hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°We will, M. We¡¯ll find him,¡± Liam replied, calm but firm. Once again, he scanned the area, his mind racing through possible scenarios.


    Young Morgan¡¯s mind was a whirl of dark possibilities. She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Her baby boy, her sweet little Ace-where could he be? She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and helplessness, her chest tight with fear. Each second that ticked by felt like an eternity.


    They¡¯ve searched everywhere, starting at the slide where Ace¡¯s shoes were found. Emerald¡¯s hands were trembling as she clutched the small sneakers. A pang of anguish shot through her. The boy loved those shoes. He had picked them out himself, insisting on the ones with the little dinosaurs on them.


    ¡°Liam, what if something happens to him? What if¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t finish the sentence; her voice was breaking. Liam squeezed her hand, his eyes steady.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check again,¡± Liam suggested, leading her toward the row of swings at the far end of the yground. They called out Ace¡¯s name, their voices carrying a desperate edge.


    Emerald¡¯s mind raced back to the moments leading up to his disappearance. Had she noticed anything suspicious? Has Keng mentioned anything unusual? She cursed herself for not paying more attention and taking those precious moments for granted.


    The swings were empty, their chains creaking eerily in the breeze. They moved on to the climbing frame, the sandpit, and the merry-go-round, their search growing more frantic with each passing minute. Emerald¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, the fear for her son¡¯s safety eating her whole being.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s in the restroom,¡± Liam suggested, his brow furrowed with worry. They hurried over and checked the small building near the yground. Emerald pushed open the door, calling Ace¡¯s name. The restroom was empty, and the sterile smell of cleaning products filled the air.


    Emerald felt a sob rise in her throat. ¡°Liam, where is he?¡± Where¡¯s my baby?¡± She leaned against the sink, her legs threatening to give away. Liam kneeled beside her, his gaze level with hers.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find him,¡± he said. We have to stay strong for Ace. Let¡¯s search the park again.¡±


    The park beyond the yground was expansive, dotted with trees and benches. Parents strolled with their children,pletely unaware of Emerald¡¯s sorrow. She scanned each face, hoping against hope to see Nanny Keng¡¯s familiar figure and Ace¡¯s bright eyes and mischievous grin.


    As they walked, Emerald¡¯s mind spun through memories of Ace-his first steps and words, how he would cuddle up to her at night, his little arms wrapped around her neck. The thought of losing him was unbearable. She felt Liam¡¯s steady presence beside her, a smallfort amid her panic.


    They reached the park¡¯s edge, where a small pond glimmered in the afternoon sun. ¡°Ace!¡± she called out, her voice cracking. ¡°Keng!¡± But only the ducks responded, quacking softly as they swam.


    Emerald dropped to her knees, the weight of her fear and despair finally overwhelming her. Liam kneeled beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find him,¡± Emerald said. We won¡¯t stop until we do,¡± he murmured, his voice gentle yet persistent. She nodded, taking a shuddering breath. She had to believe that. For Ace, she had to stay strong.


    Feeling weak, they stood up and continued their search, their voices carrying Ace¡¯s name through the park. Each step was closer to finding her son, and Emerald clung to that hope with every fiber of her being.


    Young Morgan fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed Creep¡¯s number.


    ¡°Creep, it¡¯s me,¡± she said as soon as he picked up. Her voice was thick with urgency. ¡°ACE is missing with his nanny from the yground. I need you to check every CCTV camera around the park. Please, hurry!¡±


    ¡°Whoa, Emerald, slow down.¡± Creep¡¯s voice came through, calm and collected. ¡°I got you. Give me a minute to ess the feeds. ¡°Where exactly did youst see him?¡±


    ¡°The park near our house, by the slide, near the center of the yground,¡± she replied, her voice cracking. Liam stood nearby, eyes scanning the surroundings as if Ace had materialized out of thin air.


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯m logging in now. I¡¯ll call you back as soon as I have something,¡± Creep assured her before hanging up.


    Emerald felt a tiny flicker of hope as she pocketed her phone. She turned to Liam, who was already talking to a group of parents nearby, asking if they had seen Ace or nanny Keng. The parents shook their heads, their faces sympathetic but unhelpful.


    ¡°We should split up,¡± Liam suggested, returning to Emerald¡¯s side. ¡°I¡¯ll check the parking lot and the entrances. You stay here in case Acees back. Keep your phone close.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Emerald agreed, her voice barely more than a whisper. She watched as Liam jogged toward the parking lot, his determined figure soon blending into the distance.


    Emerald took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She began to search the yground again, calling out Ace¡¯s name, her voice hoarse from shouting. Young Morgan checked every corner, every hiding spot, and every ce too small for a child to fit in. Each time she found nothing, her heart sank further.


    Her phone buzzed, startling her. She snatched it from her pocket, seeing Creep¡¯s name on the screen.


    ¡°Tell me you found something,¡± she pleaded, answering the call.


    ¡°Emerald, I¡¯ve got footage,¡± Creep said, his voice tense. ¡°I saw Ace ying by the slide, and then Nanny Keng took his hand and led him toward the park¡¯s north exit. It looks like they left the yground together. But something¡¯s off-she was looking around nervously.¡±


    ¡°North exit?¡± Emerald echoed it, her mind racing. ¡°That¡¯s close to the main road. Did they get into a car?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t see that from the camera angle,¡± Creep replied. ¡°I¡¯m trying to ess more cameras in the area, but it¡¯s taking some time. You should head that way and see if you find anything. I¡¯ll keep you updated.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Creep,¡± she said, her heart pounding. ¡°Please, hurry.¡±


    Emerald broke into a run, sprinting toward the north exit. Her surroundings blurred as she focused solely on reaching the spot Creep had mentioned. As she neared the exit, she desperately scanned the area, her eyes darting from person to person, searching for any sign of her son or his nanny.


    ¡°Liam!¡± she shouted, spotting him in the distance. ¡°North exit! Creep saw them heading this way!¡±


    Liam turned, his face glowing with hope, and jogged over to her. Together, they continued their search, asking everyone they passed if they had seen a young boy with a nanny. Most shook their heads, though one elderly woman mentioned seeing a woman and child hurriedly crossing the street about fifteen minutes ago.


    ¡°She said they crossed over there,¡± Emerald pointed out, her voice breathless. ¡°Toward the shops.¡±


    They hurried across the street, navigating through the busy crowd. The shops were bustling with afternoon activity, contrasting with Emerald¡¯s anxiety. She looked around frantically, eyes scanning every face and small figure that might be Ace.


    Her phone buzzed again, and she answered it without hesitation. ¡°Creep?¡±


    ¡°I found more footage,¡± Creep said. ¡°They walked down Maple Street, heading toward the alley behind the row of shops. I¡¯m pulling up the footage from the alley now.¡±


    Emerald and Liam turned down Maple Street, their pace quickening. The narrow alley was dimly lit, lined with dumpsters and delivery entrances. ¡°There!¡± Liam pointed to a sh of movement at the far end of the alley.


    Emerald¡¯s heart leaped as they ran toward it, her breathing in ragged gasps. As they reached the end of the alley, they saw a figure emerge-a woman with a small child in tow.


    ¡°Ace!¡± Emerald screamed, her voice breaking with relief and fear. The boy turned, his face lighting up as he saw his mother.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace cried, breaking free from Nanny Keng¡¯s grasp and running toward Emerald.


    Young Morgan dropped to her knees, gathering Ace into her arms and holding him tightly as tears streamed down her face. ¡°Oh, Ace, my baby, thank God,¡± she whispered, repeatedly kissing his head.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Liam reached them, eyes on the nanny, who stood frozen, her face pale. ¡°What happened, Keng? Why did you take him?¡± he demanded.


    The nanny¡¯s eyes were wide with fear and confusion. ¡°I thought someone was following us. I wanted to get Ace somewhere safe. I didn¡¯t mean to scare anyone.¡±


    Emerald looked up, her relief mingling with anger and confusion. ¡°You should have told me! We were so worried.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Keng stammered. ¡°I just wanted to protect him.¡±


    Emerald hugged Ace tighter, her heart finally starting to calm. ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± she said softly, standing up and taking Ace¡¯s hand. She turned to Liam, who gave her a reassuring nod.


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out,¡± Liam said. ¡°The important thing is that Ace is safe.¡±


    Together, they walked back toward the park, Emerald never letting go of her son¡¯s hand, vowing to let him out of her sight again.

 Chapter 56

    Creep sat hunched over his monitor inside the sleek, high-tech office of ACEGame, fingers flying over the keyboard. The office was a controlled chaos of flickering screens and urgent activity. Jace was beside him, pacing back and forth like a caged lion. His face was a mask of fury and concern, his clenched fists and tense posture revealing the storm of emotions roiling inside him. He went to see and talk to Creep about Emerald¡¯s nanny, Lucy. Still, while talking, young Morgan called about their son¡¯s disappearance.


    ¡°What do you mean you lost them? How could Keng just disappear with Ace?¡± Jace demanded, his voice sharp and using. Creep nced up briefly, his eyes filling with both sympathy and frustration.


    ¡°Jace, I¡¯m doing everything I can. I¡¯ve got ess to every avable camera feed around the park. We¡¯ll find them,¡± Creep replied, his voice steady despite the tension.


    Jace ran a hand through his hair, his eyes darting to the screens, watching the grainy footage of the park and surrounding streets. ¡°He¡¯s my son. How did this even happen? I should have been there,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Creep.


    The minutes felt like hours as they waited for any sign of Ace. Then Creep¡¯s phone buzzed. He snatched it up, his expression immediately brightening as he recognized Emerald¡¯s name on the caller ID.


    ¡°M?¡± Creep answered, putting the call on speaker.


    ¡°We found him, Creep. We found Ace. He¡¯s safe.¡± Emerald¡¯s voice came through, choked with relief. Jace sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging as some tension left his body.


    ¡°Thank God,¡± Jace murmured, closing his eyes briefly. He stepped closer to the phone.


    Creep ended the call. ¡°Keep looking into it. I want to know exactly what¡¯s going on. Check everything about Keng¡¯s movements and see if you can find anything suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Already on it,¡± Creep responded, his fingers flying over the keyboard again, pulling up more footage and running background checks.


    Jace didn¡¯t wait for further confirmation. He grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the building, heading straight for Emerald¡¯s house.


    Meanwhile, Emerald is talking to her son with Liam about what happened after young Morgan informs Creep that they have found the boy. Keng was in a room just to make sure that she would not do anything in case she was nning on harming the boy. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call us out when your nanny started to pull you away?¡± Emerald asked her son, who was still teary.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mom. I just suddenly feel scared and don¡¯t know what to do.¡± Emerald looked at Liam and thought the boy had suffered too much from the incident. He¡¯s a smart boy, and she knows that whatever happens, he will be able to do something to save himself. But Ace is just a boy and is easy to cower in fear in any dangerous situation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first, M. I think he¡¯s also hungry. He asked us about that earlier, right?¡± Liam chimed in. He didn¡¯t want the boy to stress himself thinking about the incident.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and eat?¡± Emerald asked, and the boy nodded. They all went to the kitchen. Young Morgan asked one of the maids to send food to Keng¡¯s room as well, but Liam offered to do it instead just to be safe; she agreed and started to feed Ace.


    They were in the living room after their meal, and Ace sat beside his mother. He still felt scared but was calm. Emerald patted Ace¡¯s back gently, making him doze off as she and Liam watched him.


    Liam sighed in relief after making sure that everything was okay. ¡°I¡¯m sure Creep is looking into every CCTV now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure too,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°We will not stop unless we find out the truth.¡± Young Morgan nodded in agreement. She wanted to know why Keng felt like someone was following them and why she didn¡¯t go to them instead. The two were discussing possibilities when young Higginson came.


    When Jace arrived at Emerald¡¯s house, he barely took a moment to knock before pushing the door open. Inside, Emerald sat on the couch with Ace curled up beside her, his small body tucked safely under her arm. Liam sat on the opposite couch, his face a mix of concern and residual tension.


    ¡°Jace, what are you doing here?¡± Emerald asked, her voice weary but calm. She tightened her hold on Ace, who was now dozing off, exhausted from the ordeal.


    Young Higginson¡¯s eyes softened briefly as he looked at his son, but they quickly hardened again as he turned to Emerald. ¡°We need to talk, Emerald. Alone.¡±


    Young Morgan nced at Liam, who gave her a reassuring nod after she gave him the boy who murmured sleepily but didn¡¯t wake up.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why would Keng do something like this?¡± Jace demanded with a low but intense voice after Liam went to the boy¡¯s room.


    ¡°She said she thought someone was following them,¡± Emerald replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know why she didn¡¯t say anything to us. I¡¯m just as confused and worried as you are.¡±


    Higginson paced the living room, his frustration palpable. ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense. There has to be more to it. Creep is looking into it, but I need you to be honest. Is there anything you¡¯re not telling me?¡±


    Emerald¡¯s eyes shed with a mix of anger and hurt. ¡°You think I¡¯m hiding something? Jace, my only concern is Ace¡¯s safety. I¡¯m not keeping anything from you.¡±


    Young Higginson stopped pacing and faced her, his expression softening slightly. ¡°I just want to understand. We both need to understand, for Ace¡¯s sake. Because of what happened today, I would want to fight for our son¡¯s custody.¡±


    Emerald felt her heart sink as Jace¡¯s words hung heavy. The demand for custody felt like a punch to the gut, catching her off guard in the aftermath of Ace¡¯s harrowing disappearance. ¡°We¡¯ve talked about this,¡± she began, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°We agreed to share custody. Ace needs both of us.¡±


    Jace¡¯s eyes shed with a mix of determination and something darker, something that sent a shiver down Emerald¡¯s spine. ¡°That was before this happened. Before I realized how dangerous it is for Ace to be alone with you,¡±


    ¡°Dangerous?¡± Emerald repeated, her voice rising with disbelief. ¡°I would never put my son in jeopardy. You know that.¡±


    ¡°Do I?¡± he shot back, his toneced with bitterness. ¡°You¡¯ve been spending a lot of time with Liam. It seems excessive to me.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Liam is just a friend. He was helping me to look for my nanny. That¡¯s all. I made this clear to you. I am not going to have any intimate rtionship with any man while our marriage is still in effect!¡±


    Jace shook his head, his jaw tightly clenched. ¡°I don¡¯t want just a friend around my son. I want a stable environment. I want us to be a family.¡±


    Emerald felt her heartbreak at his words. ¡°We¡¯ve been over this. Our marriage is over. We¡¯re getting a divorce.¡± His gaze hardened, his resolve unwavering.


    ¡°If I have anything to say about it, not. I don¡¯t want a divorce, Emerald. I want us to work things out. For Ace.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t fair,¡± Emerald pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. ¡°You can¡¯t just change your mind because of what happened today. We need to think about what¡¯s best for Ace.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s best for Ace is for him to be with me.¡± His voice was cold and final. ¡°I¡¯m going to take him; he¡¯s better off with me. I don¡¯t have any rtionship with any woman, so he has my full attention. And you¡­ you cane too if you want. But I won¡¯t let Liame between us.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s mind reeled, the weight of Jace¡¯s ultimatum crushing her spirit. She couldn¡¯t let Jace take their son away, not like this. ¡°Jace, please,¡± she begged, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this. Let¡¯s think about what¡¯s best for our son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you some time to think,¡± Jace said, his tone final. ¡°But I expect you to be ready to live with me and our son.¡±


    And with that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Emerald alone in the wreckage of her shattered dreams. She sank to her knees, tears streaming down her face, her heart breaking for the second time that day.

 Chapter 57

    Emerald sat on the edge of the bed, her heart aching, as she watched Ace sleep. His small chest¡¯s soft rise and fall brought a fleeting sense of peace, but her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She knew she had to talk to him to understand what he wanted. It felt almost unbearable, but she had to face the possibility that he might want to live with his father.


    With a deep breath, she gently stroked his hair. ¡°Ace, baby, it¡¯s morning. Mommy needs to talk to you.¡±


    Ace stirred, his eyes flicking open. He looked up at her with sleepy confusion, then sat up, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Mommy? What is it?¡±


    Emerald smiled, trying to keep her voice calm. ¡°I need to ask you something very important. Do you think you can talk to me for a bit?¡±


    Ace nodded, sitting up straighter, sensing the seriousness in his mother¡¯s tone. ¡°Okay, Mommy.¡±


    Emerald took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. ¡°Ace, I know that it¡¯s still early in the morning, but I  also know that you¡¯re very understanding. I can¡¯t put myself to rest until I talk to you. You see, your daddy wants us to live with him. He thinks it would be better if we were all together. But I want to know what you think. Do you want to live with Daddy?¡±


    Ace¡¯s eyes widened, excitement and hesitation flickering across his face. ¡°With Daddy? Really?¡±


    Emerald nodded, her heart aching at the hope she saw in his eyes. ¡°Yes, baby. But you must tell me what you want. Do you want us to live with your Dad?¡±


    Ace¡¯s face became thoughtful, his small brows furrowing as he considered her question. ¡°I do want to live with Daddy. I miss him, Mommy. I want to experience having you two together. But¡­¡± He paused, biting his lip and filling his eyes with tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be sad.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s heart broke at his words. She reached out, pulling him into her arms. ¡°Oh, Ace, it¡¯s okay to want that. It¡¯s okay to want us all to be together.¡±


    Ace clung to her, his voice trembling. ¡°But you and Daddy-I know you¡¯re ufortable with him. I don¡¯t want you to be unhappy. I just want us to be happy.¡±


    Young Morgan hugged him tightly, her tears falling silently. ¡°I know, baby. I know you want us to be happy. I also want you to be happy. But sometimes, things don¡¯t work out how we want them to.¡±


    Ace pulled back slightly, looking up at her with a tear-streaked face. ¡°But I love you both. I want you and Daddy to love each other, too. Can¡¯t you just try again? For me?¡± The boy didn¡¯t know where he got the courage to ask that question.


    Young Morgan¡¯s heart felt like it was shattering into a thousand pieces. She wished she could give Ace the happy family he longed for. Still, she knew forcing herself into a rtionship with Jace just for Ace¡¯s sake would only lead to more pain and confusion.


    ¡°Ace, I love you more than anything in the world,¡± she said, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°I also have affection for your father; however, living with someone you love is impossible. We can try to improve our situation and create a new family dynamic. We can find a solution that benefits all of us.¡±


    Ace nodded slowly, tears still streaming down his face. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to make you sad, Mommy. I want you to be happy, too.¡± His mother hugged him tightly, kissing the top of his head.


    ¡°Oh, my sweet boy, your happiness is important to me. We¡¯ll find a way to make this work, I promise. We¡¯ll find a way to be happy, even if it¡¯s not exactly how we used to be,¡± Emerald said.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Ace sniffled, his small body trembling with the effort to hold back his sobs. ¡°I just want us to be together.¡±


    Emerald nodded, holding him close. ¡°I know, Ace. I know. We¡¯ll figure this out, okay? Together.¡±


    She felt renewed determination as she gently rocked him, soothing his tears. She wanted to create a life where Ace felt loved and secure, even if it meant facing difficult decisions and painful conversations with Jace. For her son, she would do anything.


    Young Morgan went to work with Ace and Jace in her mind, especially about what her husband wanted for them. She admitted she still loved him, but that didn¡¯t take the fear out of her heart. Co-parenting Ace while living separately is different from living together. Emerald wants the best for her son, especially his happiness. But is she willing topromise her feelings?


    ¡°I assume you think about what I¡¯ve told you.¡± Jace was leaning on her office door with his arms on his chest, looking confident. Emerald shook her head, looked back at herputer, and continued typing. ¡°Emerald,¡±


    ¡°I am working, Jace. If I¡¯m here facing myputer, please do not interrupt me with your selfishness.¡± She red at the man who wasn¡¯t affected even a bit and understood where her anger wasing from. But he wanted to know her decision.


    ¡°I am not being selfish; I am doing this for our son,¡± he replied, walking closer to her until he was in front of her office table and sitting on the chair.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing this so you can have me back! Isn¡¯t that selfish? You¡¯re thinking only about yourself and not considering how I feel!¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t help her anger and shouted at him.


    ¡°I am not going to risk my son¡¯s safety because you are busy talking to your lover!¡± Jace shouted back.


    ¡°He¡¯s not my lover! He¡¯s my friend!¡±


    ¡°A friend you can¡¯t let go.¡± Young Higginson was feeling helpless. He understands her feelings, but he has also already told her he is willing topromise and show her how much he has changed and loved her and their son. ¡°Let¡¯s not waste our time on this; if you didn¡¯t want us to meet in court and have Ace affected by our disagreement, you better make the right decision.¡±


    ¡°And you think agreeing to live with you is right?¡±


    ¡°Then tell me, what is important to you? Is finding your nanny far more important than Ace¡¯s well-being? You told me Liam was there to find Lucy, so will you continue living with him until you find her?¡±


    ¡°Ace likes Liam, and you know that. If you¡¯re not here, he would have asked me to make him his father.¡±


    ¡°And you want that?¡±


    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is, Liam didn¡¯t do anything bad to our son and treated the boy like he was his.¡±


    ¡°And I didn¡¯t like it! Ace is our son, and I didn¡¯t want anyone to im or treat him like theirs.¡± Young Higginson feels his heart being shredded when he hears Emerald defend Liam. The only hope he clung to was the words she told him that morning after they made love. She says she loves him but is still fearful of what wille when she epts him in her life.


    ¡°We will agree to nothing if we continue talking like this. Go back to your work while I do mine here, and we¡¯ll talk when we already think things through,¡± Emerald said, trying to be rational while her mind tried to justify Jace¡¯s.


    ¡°I love you, Emerald. And I understand your fear; that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you for a second chance,¡± Jace said in a low voice, ¡°no, for ast chance. Don¡¯t deny me the opportunity to show and make you feel how much I love you even when I thought you were a bad woman who hurt my brother.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Jace. I¡¯ve already told you my reason, and I still have a lot on my hands that I can¡¯t focus on. If you understand me, please stop this and let me breathe. I feel suffocated with everything happening and other possible changes in my life.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Please, Jace, just for now. Don¡¯t add up to my problems.¡±


    ¡°Emerald, I can help you if you let me in. I want to be by your side. If you need anything or are confused, you can tell me everything, and we will try to solve everything one at a time. All you have to do is let me in.¡±


    Young Morgan is more confused than ever. Her heart wants to be with Jace, but her mind refuses. She knew that she wanted her family to be together, to give Ace the loving family environment he deserves. Will she take her husband now that everything about her seems blurry?

 Chapter 58

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I am forcing her, Kyle!¡± Jace eximed.


    ¡°But that¡¯s how it looks to me, and, I¡¯m sure, to her as well,¡± his friend replied.


    ¡°I love her and our son. And she admitted that she loves me too. Why can¡¯t she just let me in so I can show her who I really am? Living separately is not helping us; it only pushes her away from me. And because of Liam, she had another option,¡± Jace said as he brushed his hair with his fingers. He was in a bar with his friend, who listened to him tirelessly.


    ¡°So, Emerald is the reason why you invited me out?¡± Kyle asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°And what else do you think?¡±


    ¡°How about the fact that I helped our legal council in trapping thatpany extorting ACEGame?¡± Jace¡¯s eyes widened. Lately, he has been thinking about his wife and has forgotten everything. He sighed when he thought he had good news to share with Emerald when he remembered what she told him about having problems.


    ¡°Thanks, man. You¡¯re really a good and very reliable friend.¡± Kyle shook his head, smiling. It was all he could do for his friend, and he was happy that, at some point, he had alleviated his burden.


    ¡°And about Ace¡¯s disappearance?¡± his friend suddenly remembered to ask about the incident.


    ¡°Creep is still looking at it. That¡¯s why I want them to live with me as soon as possible. What if another incident like that happens again?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re letting them stay in your penthouse?¡±


    ¡°Of course not! I¡¯ll bring them to our mansion; that¡¯s where they belong,¡± Jace replied and gulped on his drinks.


    ¡°Then I hope Emerald will agree. Cheers!¡± and they drank together.


    Meanwhile, Emerald, Liam, and Cedrick are seriously conversing in the young Morgan¡¯s house. The detective brought the DNA result and handed it to the woman.


    Young Morgan¡¯s hands were shaking as she held the envelope. She opened it and slowly got the paper inside before gently unfolding it. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to expect, but I hope I get a favorable result.¡± Her heart was pounding as she said that.


    Cedrick didn¡¯t say anything and just had his head down. He had already seen it but didn¡¯t want to ruin the thrill for young Morgan. He waited until he saw Emerald gasping in shock with wide eyes before he smiled. ¡°You are Mr. Landers¡¯ daughter.¡± he finally said.


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Simple, they were already lovers before Ms. Ember left. If only she didn¡¯t do it and waited for Mr. Ferguson to introduce your father to her, things would have been different.¡±


    ¡°How about Mr. Landers? Did he know that it was her that he would meet?¡± Liam asked,


    ¡°Yes, and he even encouraged Ms. Ember to meet the man his father was arranging for her. Maybe she thought he didn¡¯t love her, so she decided to leave instead.¡± Cedrick said in a low voice. ¡°I cannot me Ms. Ember for that, though,¡± the detective added.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°My nanny is my real mother?¡± Emerald asked teary eyes. She was happy and, at the same time, sad, thinking that Lucy had let her live with a family who didn¡¯t care about her. But after some thought, she remembered how she was always on her side, no matter what. ¡°Mr. Cedrick, I want to find her; I want to find my mother.¡±


    Cedrick nodded, ¡°I am more than willing to help. She¡¯s my mission, and I will not return to Italy unless I bring her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°And I can say that you¡¯re a bonus to this mission, Ms. Emerald,¡± Cedrick replied. ¡°Believe it or not, when I told Mr. Landers about your name, he immediately believed you¡¯re his daughter.¡±


    ¡°Huh? How?¡±


    ¡°Because of your name. The two have talked about it already. They agreed to give their daughter that name.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about my name being unrted to my father and mother. I thought we all had simr-sounding names: Merly, Emerson, Emerose, Emerald,¡± young Morgan said.


    ¡°I already told Mr. Landers I will meet you today, and he was excited. Please forgive me if I already told him that you would want him to be your father instead of Emerson Morgan.¡±


    ¡°And what did he say?¡±


    ¡°He was very happy, and you don¡¯t know how much.¡± Emerald wanted to jump for joy after hearing that. All her life, she only wanted her family to love her. With what Cedrick had told her, a glimpse of hope began to shine in her eyes. ¡°And he wanted to see you. As we spoke, he was on his way to the airport toe here,¡± Cedrick continued happily.


    ¡°You better get ready, M,¡± Liam, who was sitting beside her, said. She looked at him, smiling before she leaned her head on his shoulder. It was the scene that Jace witnessed as he entered the house with Kyle.


    Jace rushed to Liam and pulled him up from the couch before he punched him. ¡°You stay away from my wife,¡± he said angrily.


    ¡°Hey, hey, man, take it easy.¡± Kyle was pulling him away from Liam, who was already on the floor as he was caught unprepared.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, Jace!¡± Emerald said angrily as she joined her friend on the floor, helping him get up. Cedrick was stunned and didn¡¯t know what had just happened. He couldn¡¯t even know who he would help.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Emerald. I am taking my son¡¯s custody. He¡¯s just in his bedroom, and here you are, flirting with this bastard. He knew I was his father and wanted us to be together.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, Jace? We¡¯re not doing anything wrong!¡± Emerald shouted. ¡°And don¡¯t threaten me with Ace¡¯s custody!¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine. Did you want that bastard that much? I¡¯ll give it to you. I¡¯ll sign the divorce papers right now, but I am taking my son.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kyle was still holding Jace as he heard Emerald shout. ¡°You¡¯re not taking my son away from me! How would I know he would be taking care of, even after you remarried?¡± she continued.


    ¡°I am not going to get married again; if I did, I¡¯d give him back to you,¡± Jace said with conviction.


    ¡°What do you think of my son? A thing?¡±


    ¡°No! He¡¯s my most important person, so I am telling you this. Once I remarry, I¡¯ll give him back to you.¡±


    ¡°No, I am not going to give my son¡¯s custody to you.¡±


    ¡°Then stay away from that bastard! Never let him near you and live with me.¡±


    ¡°Jace, that¡¯s too much!¡± Liam chimed in, making Emerald stop him from talking.


    ¡°Please, Liam, let me talk to him.¡±


    ¡°You have no fucking right to interrupt us, bastard. My son has been put in danger when you two are together, and he¡¯s with you. How can I be sure that it won¡¯t happen again?¡±


    ¡°Jace, let¡¯s talk about thister. I have a guest, and we are talking about important matters here,¡± Emerald said in resignation.


    ¡°Man, let her be for now. Look, there¡¯s another guy here, so whatever you think is not happening.¡± Kyle said, pointing at Cedrick and trying to calm his friend. ¡°Let¡¯s go home for now and go back tomorrow. Or you can talk in thepany instead.¡±


    ¡°No, she chose now. I¡¯ll take my son and sign the divorce papers, or she wille with me with our son.¡± Jace insisted.


    ¡°Why are you so inconsiderate? Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s going on here?¡± Emerald said exasperatedly.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson,¡± said Cedrick. ¡°I know that I am not in the position to stop you or get in between you and Ms. Emerald, but as she said, we are talking about a very sensitive topic here, and she was emotional.¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Jace asked, raising a brow.


    ¡°Of course, who wouldn¡¯t know one of the wealthiest men here in L. A. and Ms. Emerald¡¯s husband?¡± Because of what he said, Jace calmed down, thinking Emerald and Liam were not acting sweet when he saw them.


    ¡°What is it about?¡± young Higginson asked curiously.


    ¡°Nothing that concerns you,¡± Emerald replied,


    ¡°Is it about your nanny, Ms. Ferguson?¡± he asked again,


    ¡°You knew?¡± Young Morgan asked, confused. She didn¡¯t know that her husband had any idea about her nanny.


    ¡°I also asked someone to look for her because I know it will make you happy. So you¡¯ll think I will be more than enough to support and provide you and our son with your needs. You see, I am trying my hardest to make you see that I love you, and I can¡¯t live without you.¡±


    Emerald felt touched after she heard Jace. She didn¡¯t know that he was also willing to do anything for her. She admitted to him that she still loved him but was afraid to get into any intimate rtionship with him for fear of getting hurt again. Without thinking, young Morgan approached and kissed him on his lips, making young Higginson¡¯s eyes widen before he responded.

 Chapter 59

    Liam left Emerald¡¯s mansion after their discussion. Although he was happy for young Morgan, he also felt hurt when he saw her kiss Jace. He knew he would never have a chance to get the woman he loved, but he hoped that young Higginson would be able to take care of her. He stepped into the bustling bar, the heart of nightlife, where the energy is intense and the atmosphere is lively. It was an old brick building that housed the bar; its exterior was modest and unassuming, but inside, it was a different world.


    Most people are dressed to impress. Women in stylish dresses or chic tops and skirts, essorized with statement jewelry and high heels, move gracefully through the crowd. Men sport a range of attire, from casual button-downs to trendy t-shirts paired with jeans or chinos, some donning fashionable sneakers and others opting for smart leather shoes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you liked going to ces like this,¡± Kyle shouted, talking to Liam, who was roaming his eyes around, searching for the bar where he wanted to spend the day¡¯s remaining hours. He shrugged his shoulders at the sound of the man behind him, then resumed his walk.


    The two reached a long, polished wooden bar, behind which bartenders worked frantically, mixing cocktails with ir and serving drinks with practiced ease. An impressive array of bottles, theirbels reflecting the lights, line the shelves behind the bar, showcasing everything from top-shelf whiskey to the trendiest gin. ¡°Don¡¯t you go to a ce like this?¡± Liam asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes, but since getting married, I¡¯ve tried not to spend too much time here. I didn¡¯t want to upset my wife, you know.¡± Kyle answered as they sat on one of the stools lined up in the bar, roaming his eyes around, hoping not to see anyone he knew, especially women.


    On one side of the bar, there¡¯s a small dance floor, a ma for those who can¡¯t resist the beat. It¡¯s a swirl of movement and color as people lose themselves in the music, dancing with wild abandon with their faces lit up with joy and excitement. asionally, a particrly bold dancer will break out a move that draws cheers and apuse from the crowd.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe with me.¡± Liam said, ¡°Is your friend trying to make sure that I am going to leave Emerald¡¯s house, so he asked you to follow me?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t ask me. I did this voluntarily,¡± Kyle replied, making Liam nod. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about Emerald because I guarantee that Jace will take care of her and do everything he can to shield her from any harm, even at the cost of his life.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± Liam asked, raising a brow. ¡°He had hurt her before.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. And he regrets it so much, and that¡¯s why he will not do that again. Another thing is that I saw how he was when Emerald left him. He never looks at any woman and never loses hope that she wille back.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Liam said, shaking his head before drinking from the ss that the bartender filled for him.


    The two stayed in the bar as Kyle joined Liam in his sorrow. Although he pitied the man, he was also happy that his friend finally had his wife back. He began to think about how Jace would be now that Emerald epted him.


    The following day, in Emerald¡¯s house.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s confirmed that you are Mr. Landers¡¯ daughter?¡± Jace asked. Emerald nodded, smiling. They were in the living room with Ace ying on the floor.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t know how I got into the Morgan family, and I don¡¯t think they know about it either. Only my nanny will be able to answer that.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°They never told me anything. With everything they did to me, they have all the right to p the truth on my face, especially Emerose, but she never did. My sister will never let go of a chance to humiliate me. After all the gatherings that happened in the mansion, she never told anyone about me being my nanny¡¯s daughter or being adopted.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel about it?¡± Young Higginson asked, looking at Emerald, who had her eyes on their son.


    ¡°Overwhelmed. You know what my family did to me and knowing that there¡¯s someone out there who was ready to love me unconditionally besides my nanny, who turns out to be my biological mother.¡± Emerald answered, looking at Jace, ¡°I have never been this happy. You¡¯re with me and our son, and I just discovered I have a real family. But knowing my biological mother is still missing, I can¡¯t feel totally happy.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry; we¡¯re doing everything we can to find her. And I think I must stop Ronnie from searching for anything about Mr. Landers since he won¡¯t harm you.¡±


    ¡°You go to that extent?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll do anything for your and Ace¡¯s safety.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Jace. For not giving up on me,¡±


    ¡°No. Thank you, Emerald, for epting me and giving me another chance to be with you and our son. You don¡¯t know how much this means to me, so I will never let this chance go to waste either.¡±


    Young Morgan smiled at Jace before they looked at their son, who was now watching them, smiling. The boy was also happy for them.


    ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± the boy called them as he got up from the floor and sat on Jace¡¯sp. ¡°Can we go out?¡±


    ¡°Go out?¡± Jace asked, making the boy nod. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°Amusement park!!¡± Ace shouted, looking excited. ¡°I want to experience what my friends in Italy had experienced when they went out as a family,¡± he added. Emerald¡¯s heart sank after hearing about her son, and so did Jace, who med himself for depriving his son of the chance to grow up into aplete family.


    ¡°We will go wherever you want to go. You, me, and your mommy.¡± The boy¡¯s eyes shone like the stars before he hugged his parents. Emerald couldn¡¯t hold on to her tears and let it cut down her cheeks. Seeing her like that, Jace pulled her closer and embraced her and their son.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being such a jerk husband and father,¡± he muttered. And without him knowing, tears began falling on his face as well. Ace and Emerald hug him tightly, making him feel forgiven.


    Young Morgan wanted him to know that she was ready to start anew with him and their son and forget about the past that had broken them apart. She wanted to look forward to a future where they were very happy and had nothing to worry about.


    ¡°Ace,¡± Jace said, which made the boy look at him. ¡°I want to tell you that from here onwards, we will never be apart. I am going to be by your side along with your mommy.¡±


    ¡°And my future siblings?¡± Ace asked, innocently making Emerald and Jace smile.


    ¡°Yes, along with your future siblings,¡± Jace confirmed,ughing. It¡¯s not that he made fun of his son¡¯s request; he was just very happy that he wanted to have a big family like him. Emerald looked at young Higginson lovingly and watched him kiss their son.


    When she returned to the country, she never thought that she would be able to experience happiness such as this. It was beyond her wildest imagination that Jace was waiting for her and had never filed the divorce she had signed. Thinking about it, Emerald strongly believes that her husband truly loves her as he ims.


    The family stayed at home the whole day and didn¡¯t bother to go to work or attend any important meetings of theirpanies. They spend time together, trying to catch up to those years that they thought they wasted. Little Ace is the happiest of everyone because the family he has always dreamed of and prayed for is finally in his grasp. Looking at his parents, he closed his eyes and thanked God for hearing his prayer, making him feel like the happiest boy in the world. Now, he started praying that no one would take them away from him, as he already liked the feeling of having both his parents by his side.


    They were having a funny conversation when Ace¡¯s nanny, Keng, approached them, ¡°Ma¡¯am M,¡± she said, making them look at her.


    Keng had been with Ace¡¯s nanny from the very beginning. She saw how the boy grew up to be a kind-hearted kid, and she was proud that she was a part of it. She doesn¡¯t have a family and considers the boy and Emerald like her own. Young Morgan knows this, so she couldn¡¯t get mad at her entirely after what happened in the park.


    ¡°What is it, Keng?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I got really scared. Someone texted me that day telling me to take the boy out of the yground if I want him to be safe.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Both Emerald and Jace eximed.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I rushed him out, and I thought that Sir Liam would be able to take care of you, so I just tried to protect little Ace.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the text?¡± Jace asked. So, Keng pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and handed it to young Higginson.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t it ever ur to you that it was my son they were after? That¡¯s why the text told you to get him out of there?¡±


    ¡°I realized that when I felt like someone was looking at us, I ran even faster and hid.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s dangerous!¡± Emerald eximed.


    ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t get mad at nanny,¡± Ace said, crying. Young Morgan sighed after seeing how vulnerable her son was. She knew how much he loved Keng, and so did she. That¡¯s why she was angry; Keng put her life in danger as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, dear wife. We will find whoever texted her.¡± Jace said to calm Emerald as he started to think of ways to protect his family. He¡¯s never going to let anyone harm any of them.

 Chapter 60

    ¡°Emerald,¡± Mr. Landers said as he looked at young Morgan with teary eyes. ¡°Looking at you is like looking at my mother¡¯s photo in her younger days,¡± he added. They were in a hotel where Mr. Landers stayed as soon as he arrived in L. A. He wanted to go to her house, but Cedrick said to wait since she had personal matters to settle.


    ¡°Mr. Landers, I¡±


    ¡°Dad, call me dad.¡± Mr. Landers corrected her, making her eyes water. ¡°And he¡¯s my grandson?¡± he added, looking at Ace, smiling back at him.


    ¡°Yes, D-dad,¡± young Morgan replied.


    ¡°I have another grandpa?¡± the boy asked,


    ¡°Yes, young man, and it¡¯s me,¡± Mr. Landers answered. His happiness was beyond his imagination, seeing his daughter and grandson. He never thought that in his search for the love of his life, he would be able to find another part of himself. ¡°Can youe to me? I want to hug you.¡±


    Ace hesitantly got up from his seat while Emerald encouraged him, making him walk closer to Mr. Landers until he was in front of him. ¡°Oh dear boy¡­¡± the man said before he carried him, put the boy on hisp, and hugged him tightly.


    Mr. Landers¡¯ tears fell as he gently tapped on the boys¡¯ back. Then he looked at Emerald sitting beside Jace, who was watching them. He motioned for his daughter to join them, and young Morgan didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it, so she got up from her seat, sat beside him, and hugged him and Ace.


    Cedrick Rosa, who was watching the scene, was teary-eyed as well. He felt overwhelmed by the situation. When he went to L. A., he only thought about finding Ember Ferguson and never imagined that he would be able to travel a secret that only the person he was looking for could unravel.


    Jace, also in the scene, looked at his wife and son with a smile. He thought Emerald was overjoyed, making him more eager to find Lucy or Ember Ferguson, young Morgan¡¯s mother before he could finally say his wife waspletely happy.


    Mr. Landers, Emerald, and Ace are now staring at each other before a smile appears on their faces. ¡°My dear, please know I am happy to meet you and my grandson. But the truth that I haven¡¯t found your mother and might be in danger still fears me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for her as well, Dad. I didn¡¯t stop searching for her for a long time, and I still fail.¡± Emerald replied in a low voice with her head down.


    ¡°We will find her, dear. I promise you that. I will not stop searching for her even if it¡¯s thest thing I do.¡± Mr. Landers said before looking at Cedrick.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can, sir,¡± the detective said with conviction. Like his employer and friend, he was determined to find Ember Ferguson.


    ¡°And everything I can as well, dear wife,¡± Jace said. Mr. Landers looked at him and said,


    ¡°You have to make up to my daughter and grandson because of what you did, Mr. Higginson.¡±


    ¡°I intend to do that, Mr. Landers.¡±


    ¡°Dad, you have to call me Dad as well since I am your wife¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad.¡± Mr. Landers nodded and looked at his daughter and grandson, who were both smiling. After their dramatic meeting, they decided to talk about Emberter since Ace was with them. They didn¡¯t want the boy to hear anything violent that may cause him trauma.


    ***


    ¡°Are you telling me that someone wants to harm my grandson as well?¡± Mr. Landers asked after Emerald and Jace told him about the park incident and what Nanny Keng told them. They were in young Higginson¡¯s office in Software Group with Cedrick, Liam, Ronnie, and Detective Santos.


    ¡°Yes, and I already asked Creep to look into the cellphone number and find anything he can that might connect or lead us to whoever sent Nanny Keng that message,¡± Emerald said.


    ¡°I also asked Kyle to send the details to our friend, who is also good at tracing people using technology,¡± Jace added.


    ¡°But the fact that someone was after Ace put the boy at risk. Ask someone to look after him and the nanny since he¡¯s also attending school.¡± Mr. Landers suggested.


    ¡°I already did,¡± Jace informed the man, who nodded in relief.


    ¡°As for Ms. Ember,¡± Cedrick chimes in. ¡°Liam and I discussed it and shared our information, and we decided to look into Mr. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°My dad?¡± Emerald eximed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam said.


    ¡°Why him?¡±


    ¡°Because we learned that Mr. Morgan has liked her ever since.¡±


    ¡°What??¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ember used to work at Morgan Grocer. Because your mother is a real beauty, Mr. Morgan tried to rape her many times and seeded once.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t she¡± Emerald was supposed to ask, but Liam cut her words off.


    ¡°Your mother didn¡¯t want to be found by her father, so she held it in and kept everything to herself. Unknown to Mr. Morgan, she was already pregnant and thought the baby, you, was his.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Morgan didn¡¯t like it and wanted Ms. Ember to abort the baby, but your mother didn¡¯t agree.¡± Cedrick continued.


    ¡°But she had something that stopped them from insisting on the abortion, like the rape incident.¡± Emerald chimed in, making Cedrick and Liam look at her.


    ¡°You know it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just my instinct. Knowing Merly, she¡¯s not the type to let people live with her, especially when she knew she threatened their marriage,¡± exined Emerald. ¡°It must be why she also looks for other men, and now I understand why she has been hostile to me ever since. It was because she knew I was not her daughter and thought I am her husband¡¯s bastard.¡±


    ¡°What could Ms. Ember be holding against them to make them agree to do everything she said if she didn¡¯t file a rape case against Mr. Morgan? It must be it. She must have evidence for that.¡± Detective Santos asked.


    ¡°It must be important to them since they didn¡¯t tell Emerose about my identity as well,¡± Emerald answered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s look into Mrs. Morgan too. She might have something to do about Ember¡¯s disappearance. She might only be acting to divert our attention to other things or people.¡± Mr. Landers said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone in the Morgans knew about Ms. Ember¡¯s true identity.¡± Detective Santos said.


    ¡°And I hope it stays that way.¡± Emerald looked at everyone and continued, ¡°The Morgans are bankrupt. It was only because Merly¡¯s rtionships with different wealthy men kept them hanging. Once they find out about my mother¡¯s wealth, I¡¯m sure they will do anything to get their hands on it.¡±


    ¡°They will have difficulty doing that, knowing Mr. Ferguson, your grandfather?¡± Mr. Landers said, smiling.


    ¡°My grandfather?¡± young Morgan asked.


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s still alive and on his way here. I already told him about you and Ace, and he¡¯s looking forward to seeing you both. He had been waiting for your mother to return and promised not to rest until he saw Ember again.¡±


    ¡°Is he sick?¡± Emerald asked worriedly.


    ¡°What? Of course not! He¡¯s strong as a bull. But missing your mother so much made him look older than his age.¡±


    ¡°Thank God,¡± young Morgan said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. We will find your mother, and everything will be okay. We will make whoever took her, pay for what he did.¡±


    ¡°And let¡¯s just hope that she¡¯s still fine. It¡¯s been over five years, and we have no news about her.¡± Everyone looks at Cedrick. ¡°I¡¯m just reminding everyone, so we must get going and find her as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do,¡± Jace said.


    After their conversation andid out some ns and strategies, they decided to keep Emerald out of the search to ensure her and Ace¡¯s safety. They were worried that whoever took Ember might get back to her once they found out her true status. So, they decided to keep the fact that young Morgan is Mr. Landers¡¯ daughter and the Ferguson Tel heiress.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Despite her happiness, Emerald couldn¡¯t help but feel worried about her mother. She thought how painful it was for Ember whenever she called her nanny and Merly, her mom, when, in fact, she was her biological mother.


    As a mother, young Morgan realizes the pain and suffering Ember had gone through all those years that they were together but unable to call Emerald her daughter. With that, she started to hope and pray to God to keep her mother safe and bring her back to them.

 Chapter 61

    ¡°What are you going to do about us, Emerson?¡± Merly asked her husband angrily. They were having breakfast in the dining area of their rented apartment. Because Mr. Morgan is not doing anything to get theirpany back, Mrs. Morgan is so angry that she thinks he intentionally did nothing and lets her and Emerose do all the work for their living expenses.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Didn¡¯t I ask you to watch your expenses because we¡¯re facing a financial crisis? Why are you ming everything on me?¡± Emerson asked angrily, ring at his wife.


    ¡°But Dad, you know how friends are..¡± Emerose chimed in, making her earn a re from her father.


    ¡°If you are only half of the kind of woman Emerald is, you could have gotten a wealthy husband. Can¡¯t you see? No matter how angry Jace was with her before, he still chose to marry her.¡± Emerson told her daughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he nned to make her suffer!¡± she eximed. What she doesn¡¯t like the most is when other peoplepare her to her little sister, which always happens when they are kids. ¡°She¡¯s a jinx and nothing more, so don¡¯tpare me to her!¡± Emerose said angrily before she got up from her seat and left.


    ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done, Emerson! How dare youpare my lovely daughter to your bastard!¡± Merly asked angrily.


    ¡°Am I not right? She had been sleeping with different men, making herself appear cheap and easy! And you, as her mother, tolerate her!¡±


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking! Didn¡¯t you gain anything from that as well? How many business dealings did you close sessfully because you let your daughter sleep with your business associates?¡± Merly talked back, which made Emerson angrier, so he grabbed her by her neck and said,


    ¡°I only found out about it after it was done. But you! You suggested that to Emerose so she could be a good daughter to you.¡± Then he got up from his chair and went out of their apartment. Merly left alone and started thinking about how she would get back at Emerald. She wanted young Morgan to suffer, thinking she was the clear evidence of her husband¡¯s infidelity. She started to remember how everything happened.


    Their grocery stores faced a financial crisis after a new supermarket was built close to their branches, offering more affordable goods. The people weed theirpetitors, and most of their patrons transferred there. Merly remembered Emerson had to stayte working, thinking about possible solutions to their problem, and she thought, every time he went homete, was to bring their business back to its glory. Little did she know that Emerson purposely stayed so he would be able to have a look at Ember.


    One time, Merely decided to go to one of their stores to help her husband, and she didn¡¯t expect to see Emerson forcing himself on Ember while she struggled so much to get away from Mr. Morgan. ¡°I have already taken you  once, Lucy!¡±


    ¡°No! Stop it, Mr. Morgan!¡± Lucy shouted, ¡°I am going to sue you for raping me!¡±


    ¡°And who would believe a checher like you? No one! You have no credibility while I am a well-known businessman with money to defend myself in court.¡± Emerson said mockingly. Mrs. Morgan was in a corner hearing everything and was furious with her husband.


    ¡°Please, Mr. Morgan, you have a wife. Don¡¯t do this to me. I have nowhere to go and family to turn to. I just want to live my life,¡± Ember said, crying.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Lucy. If you¡¯re going to be my mistress, I will give everything to you¡±, Emerson replied, smiling wickedly.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to be a mistress. You must respect and love your wife, so please, stop doing this, or I¡¯ll tell the police.¡±


    ¡°I already told you no one will believe you.¡± Mr. Morgan said confidently.


    ¡°Did you forget that you asked to install cameras in every corner of the store?¡± Mr. Morgan¡¯s eyes widened, and he looked around and realized his foolishness. ¡°I already took the copy of what happened that night, so you better stop or go to jail.¡±


    Because of what she hears, Merly left the store and went home. She decided to wait for her husband at home and confront him. But when Mr. Morgan arrived, she couldn¡¯t find it in her heart to do so. She suddenly feels scared that he will leave her and their daughter if she ever nagged at him. Merly held grudges on Emerson and Lucy. Even though she heard everything, she still thinks that Lucy seduced her husband.


    Merly didn¡¯t expect that a monthter, Emerson told her about Lucy being pregnant. She was very furious, ¡°How dare you say that to me? What do you want me to do, huh?¡±


    ¡°You have to act like you¡¯re pregnant, so when she gives birth, you¡¯re going to be her mother and not that checker.¡±


    ¡°How dare you, Emerson! How could you make me the mother of your bastard?¡±


    ¡°If we¡¯re not going to do that, she¡¯ll put me in jail!¡± Emerson shouted back.


    ¡°And whose fault is that? If you kept your dick in your pants, none of this would have happened!¡±


    ¡°Do as I say, or I will leave you.¡± Mr. Morgan said angrily before he left her in the living room.


    Monthster, Lucy gave birth to Emerald, and they needed to make it appear that it was Merly. Because Lucy didn¡¯t want to be away from her daughter and was scared that Mrs. Morgan would mistreat her, she decided to be her daughter¡¯s nanny, which Merly didn¡¯t want to agree to.


    ¡°No, Emerson! She will live with us in our house; how could you do that?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be our daughter¡¯s nanny; what¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong is that you like that bitch!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Merly, or I swear I¡¯ll throw you out of this house!¡±


    ¡°How could you, Emerson! I am your wife!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! That¡¯s why you need to support me on this. If you didn¡¯t want me behind bars, do as I say!¡± Mrs. Morgan couldn¡¯t do anything but to agree. She didn¡¯t want to be thrown out of their house and knew that Emerson would do it if she didn¡¯t follow him.


    Since then, she has also begun seeing other men. Some have helped her husband rebuild their business, while the others are just to get back at him. She thinks Emerson has no idea what she is doing, so she continuously cheats on him.


    She taught Emerose to be hostile to both Emerald and Lucy as she grew up, and she felt happy when she learned that her daughter was also important to her husband. So, she used little Emerose for her benefit and managed to hold Emerson on his neck.


    Until years passed, Merly strongly believed that Emerson still had feelings for Lucy, so when she finally got the chance, she asked someone to take her away. But what she didn¡¯t expect was for the goons she asked to do the task toe back to her and continuously ask for money.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just die, Lucy!!¡± Merly shouted after her memories about the past ended. She got up and left their house to go to her lover and ask for his help.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been together for a long time, and I do everything you tell me to do. Now I want you to do something for me,¡± Merly said.


    ¡°You know that I can do anything for you, Merly. If you had left your husband even before, we could have been living happily by now¡±, the man replied.


    ¡°Are you nuts? You know you have your wife as well.¡± The man chuckled.


    ¡°What is it that you want?¡±


    ¡°I want you to find someone; her name is Lucy Caldwell.¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡±


    ¡°My husband¡¯s love of his life.¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t do things for free,¡±


    ¡°We fuck, Connor!¡±


    ¡°But I gave you money for that.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Your daughter, Emerose. I also want her in my bed until I find whoever that Lucy is.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Merly eximed.


    ¡°Take it or leave it,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her to you when you give me some good news.¡± Merly ended up agreeing and went home. She is willing to do anything just to get Lucy and make her the receiving end of all her frustrations with Emerson, who¡¯s not doing anything to get their wealth back, and Emerald, who was Lucy¡¯s daughter and the one who took everything from her.

 Chapter 62

    WITH MATURE CONTENT


    Meanwhile, Emerose is furious about what her dad says and goes to her boyfriend¡¯s apartment. She needed someone who would tell her how special she was and would appreciate her worth. She loves her parents, especially her mother, whom she thought had always been by her side and taught her how she would be able to continuously gain her father¡¯s affection. But with what happened earlier, the eldest Morgan felt like she had been useless to her father all this time, even though she did everything she could to help him and their business.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± her boyfriend, Hubert, asked. Emerose hugged him, crying as the man gently tapped her back. ¡°Shh¡­ hush now, babe,¡±


    ¡°I just can¡¯t understand my father,¡± Emerose said, sobbing.


    ¡°Tell me what happened,¡± Hubert encouraged her to tell him everything, which Emerose did, not leaving a single piece of information unsaid. ¡°It¡¯s alright; maybe your father is frustrated as well because of what happened to your family.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to help him out; in fact, I always do. Mom and I did everything possible to gather more investors. Still, Dad was so lousy handling our business that it went bankrupt repeatedly.¡±


    ¡°Do you still want to help your Dad?¡± Hubert asked, making Emerose crease her forehead before nodding. ¡°I know a way, but I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll agree. After all, it¡¯s you who will need to decide.¡±


    ¡°What is it? Tell me, as long as I can give my parents the money they need to regain our business.¡± She replied, hopeful. Unaware of Hubert¡¯s evil n for her.


    ¡°You know where I¡¯m working, right?¡± he asked, and Emerose nodded. ¡°Red House is looking for a woman who would want to, you know, do frenzy sex.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emerose eximed; she couldn¡¯t believe that her boyfriend was offering her a job where she needed to sell her body. Red House is an establishment offering sex to men, and most of their clients and VIPs were old men.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s up to you. I am not forcing you to do something you don¡¯t want to, and of course, I only want your body to be mine. But if it¡¯s for your family, I will understand if you agree because I love you so much.¡± With what Hubert said, Emerose calmed herself and thought about it. ¡°But I have to warn you, babe. The kind of woman the house is looking for is the one who would agree to multiple clients simultaneously. A group of clients requested that, and Madam Z decided to try it if someone was ready.¡±


    ¡°Multiple, as in more than one man?¡± Emerose asked, worriedly thinking whether she would be able to do that. She had sex with different men, but one at a time. She never tries to do it with two or more partners.


    ¡°So you have to be ready if you agree,¡± Hubert said after he nodded. Emerose fell silent, thinking about whether she would agree or not. Having sex with multiple men would be difficult, and she would feel low. But thinking about the money she would earn for her father, the idea started to sound good.


    Seeing how Emerose¡¯s face changed, Hubert thought a little push would make her girlfriend agree. ¡°Imagine earning 200, 000 a night; imagine how many nights you only need to get the amount you need.¡±


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m scared. What if I didn¡¯t do it right?¡± Emerose asked worriedly. Hubert smiled and said,


    ¡°If you want, we can practice. My two friends are in their room upstairs. Well, that is if you want.¡±


    ¡°Are you willing to share me with your friends?¡± Emerose eximed.


    ¡°Of course not! I said if you want, we can practice. I didn¡¯t say you love them like you love me.¡± Hubert replied, acting hurt. ¡°It¡¯s just sex and nothing else. You are not allowed to have feelings for them because I am going to die if you do. I only want your love for myself, babe,¡± he added, sounding sincere before he kissed him, which Emerose responded to.


    ¡°Do you think I can handle the three of you?¡± She asked after the kiss. Hubert smiled, nodding.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Of course, babe. And with us, you can adjust yourself when you start working in the Red House. When your clients like your performance, Madam Z will give you a bonus.¡±


    ¡°Okay, babe, let¡¯s practice.¡± Emerose agreed. Hubert excuses himself, telling her he must inform his friends first. So he left her in the living room and went upstairs. After a few minutes, he went down to call her,


    ¡°My friends agreed, and they are ready.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Emerose got up and followed her boyfriend to the second floor where his friends were.


    On the second floor, there was one king-size bed with two naked men on top. Emerose felt slightly nervous, but Hubert smiled to make her feel okay. She sighed and started undressing when she saw her boyfriend take off his clothes.


    Hubert faced and kissed Emerose before he carried her to the bed and put her down. His friends hold each of her arms before they suck her nipples while her boyfriend slides down to her pussy and ys her clit with his tongue. ¡°You have to moan, babe. The clients will like it if you moan and talk dirty.¡± Hubert reminded Emerose.


    ¡°Oh yes, like that. Suck my nipples,¡± Emerose screamed in pleasure. Her boyfriend didn¡¯t know that she already liked what he and his friends were doing to her and was enjoying it already.


    ¡°Babe, eat my pussy. Yes! Yes! Ahhh¡­  oh, it feels so good¡­¡± Emerose screamed. Hubert and his two friends were enjoying it as well. They felt proud that Emerose liked what they were doing.


    Hubert bent her over and took her from behind while Emerose was giving a blowjob on one of the two friends, and the other was jerking himself while he yed with her breasts.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ fuck, this is so good¡­¡± The men screamed at the same time, and Emerose liked it.


    The men alternately fuck and pleasure Emerose for hours. Hubert made sure to prolong it because he knew that when his girlfriend entered the Red House, she would have to simultaneously deal with at least five old men. He knew because Madam Z specifically told him she needed someone to agree to 5 clients.


    Without Emerose knowing, what they were doing was being recorded, and Hubert was nning to use it for online porn that also earns a lot. That¡¯s why he made her look like she was also enjoying it.


    They¡¯ve been rough on Emerose, but she didn¡¯tin and moaned from the beginning until the end.


    After the session, the two men left them alone, giving Hubert a mischievous grin. ¡°What do you think, babe? Will you be able to do the job?¡± He asked, looking concerned.


    ¡°I think so, babe,¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°If you need to practice more before I introduce you to Madam Z, just tell me. But what¡¯s more important is your facial expression. You must show your clients that you¡¯re enjoying what they are doing to you.¡±


    ¡°I think I can do that; what do you think?¡±


    ¡°I think so too, babe. Just make your moans and screams of pleasure a little louder. The louder, the better; it will boost those men¡¯s egos.¡±


    Emerose nodded before she smiled at him while thinking about Emerald. She wanted to bring her little sister to this world where her dignity would shatter just like hers. And she thought that Hubert would be able to help her n happen.


    With her mouth, womanhood, and entire body feeling sore, Emerose went home with a promise to herself that she would do everything she could to make Emerald suffer. She will get back everything she thought her little sister had taken from her and strike young Morgan using the most important person in her life, which she will try to find out.


    She¡¯s tired ofpeting with her and wants to end it by winning. And that will only happen if Emerald is ruined or gone. Whichever it is, the ending will be the same. And that is her happiness.

 Chapter 63

    ¡°Love, when are you going to talk to me?¡± Emerson asked. After he left their rented apartment, he went to the next city where Lucy was. It was amon routine for him. Even when they were staying in their old mansion, he always gave time to go and see his beloved.


    ¡°Love, please, talk to me. Are you still mad at me for not standing up for our daughter? Believe me; I¡¯m only doing that to protect her from Merly. She¡¯ll do everything to hurt her if she finds out I cared for our dear Emerald.¡± Emerson continued talking to Ember but didn¡¯t get any reply.


    Then he heard a knock on the door, so he got up from his seat and opened it. ¡°What is it? Didn¡¯t I tell you not to disturb me whenever I¡¯m with my wife?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but the house called, and Madam wants to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°That bitch, what is it this time?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea, sir.¡± Emerson sighed and went out of the room. But he made sure to lock the door before he went to his mini office, unaware that Ember had made a sudden movement.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Boss, I already gathered some young women who are willing to do frenzy sex.¡± It was the voice of a woman he knew, and he smiled at the news.


    ¡°Good, make sure to keep them clean and fresh all the time. I didn¡¯t want our clients toin about them being dirty, did you get me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss. We also have additional patrons, so the business is doing really well.¡±


    ¡°How about the police? Are you taking good care of them as well?¡±


    ¡°Of course, boss, I even give them bonuses whenever we hit the jackpot.¡±


    ¡°Alright, just make sure not to give too much. I will send someone for an audit, and I want all your transactions to be transparent. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Of course, boss.¡± The woman replied, and after a few more reminders, Emerson ended the call. He leaned back in his office chairs before a wicked smile appeared, and the memories of how he had managed to live the way he was now shed back into his mind.


    It was when he needed an investor for his fluctuating business ie, and Jace Higginson came into the picture. He didn¡¯t invest all of Higginson¡¯s money in his grocery stores. Instead, he coborated with a prostitute he met and put up their bar.


    Because of the extra service that his bar offers to men and women, it grew bigger and was now able to bribe government officials for protection. Histest business innovation is the Red House, which was being managed by the prostitute he met, who is now called Madam Z.


    Emerson concentrated on the business for thest five years while Merly and Emerose were unaware of it. With their business repeatedly failing, old Morgan thought it wasn¡¯t enough to rely on it, so he diverted to another business and was shocked about the result.


    In his bar and brothel, no one knew about him as the owner except Madam Z, who was always on the front. Emerson would go there as a customer, and Madam Z would offer him all their new female entertainers, making everyone think that he was a super VIP.


    Just two weeks ago, Madam Z called him asking for his opinion about the harem service. Many of their male customers were asking for a threesome or foursome with their entertainers. Thinking about the profit they could get, Emerson agreed immediately.


    Emerson didn¡¯t care whether he could get the grocery stores back because of his new business, which he didn¡¯t want his family to find out about. He was so selfish that he wanted all his earnings for himself, not thinking that his wife and daughter were doing everything they could to help.


    After thinking about everything that had happened for thest five years, he returned to the room where Ember was. On his way, he stumbles upon the doctor. ¡°Mr. Morgan,¡± he greeted.


    ¡°Dr. Sanders, what brings you here?¡± he asked. ¡°I don¡¯t think you have business with my wife.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Morgan, did you forget that I need to put an IV on Ms. Lucy?¡± the doctor replied, reminding Emerson.


    ¡°When is she going to wake up, Dr. Sanders? You had been looking after her for years, and she still hasn¡¯t improved!¡± Emerson shouted. ¡°You better do something about her condition because I am tired and sick of talking to her and getting no reply, or I will ruin your career.¡±


    Dr. Sanders, who had been friends with Emerald, decided to do what Emerson wanted to help his friend. But he doesn¡¯t know that he won¡¯t be able to do anything after hees with Mr. Morgan because he never lets him leave the house unguarded. What he could only do was to make sure that Ember was doing fine.


    Emerson opened the room and let Dr. Sanders check on Ember, who noticed something but didn¡¯t say anything to the old man and continued what he was doing. ¡°You can leave if you¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sir.¡± Dr. Sanders left the room, hoping Ember would be able to keep her condition hidden. He began thinking about how he would be able to talk to her without Emerson knowing since he was not allowed to get in the room without him or anyone from old Morgan¡¯s trusted men.


    He couldn¡¯t even call Emerald because he had no idea where she was now after Emerson took and brought him into the house to care for Ember. His family is not looking for him because after Old Morgan took him, he called Dr. Sanders and told them he was on a medical mission. He called them from time to time through one of the men who were looking after him and Ember. He decided to stay to look after Emerald¡¯s nanny, which he thought was more important.


    In the room, Emerson was staring at Ember, who was still sleeping. ¡°You¡¯ve been like that for years; howe you¡¯re still not awake, my Love?¡± he asked, gently caressing her cheek.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°I¡¯m missing you so much; I promise to take care of you and our daughter; just wake up now.¡± he continued. But just like before, he didn¡¯t receive any response from Ember. He sighed heavily before he got up and decided to leave. He needed to return to their house if he didn¡¯t want his wife and daughter to suspect anything.


    ¡®As much as possible, I need to keep everything hidden from them; they will only ask for money if they knew about my business, which I didn¡¯t want to happen,¡¯ he thought while driving his car on his way home.


    ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± Merly shouted as soon as Emerson entered their rented apartment, who instantly rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say to do something about our situation?¡± he asked angrily.


    ¡°And what have you done so far? Is it fruitful?¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Did you think just because I went out to talk to some people and ask for help, they would lend their helping hands just like that?¡±


    ¡°Then nothing happened?¡± Mrs. Morgan asked just as Emerose arrived.


    ¡°Are you two still fighting?¡± she asked, shaking her head. Emerose was feeling sore, so she wanted to rest after a good meal, but seeing her parents fighting again, she decided to go to her bedroom instead.


    ¡°Did you see that? You were supposed to put food on our table, and yet you came home empty-handed.¡±


    ¡°And what about you? What have you done so far for this family besides spending money with your stupid daughter?¡±


    ¡°What did you just say? Are you ming me now? You should be the one to me!¡± Merly rebutted.


    ¡°And why would I be to me? Tell me!¡±


    ¡°If you had not brought those jinxes into our house, things would have been different. You are the one who destroys our life!¡± Emerose hears everything, so she wonders what her mother is talking about. They were living in a bungalow-style apartment, so her room was just next to the living room.


    ¡°They are not jinxes! You¡¯re the jinx in my life! Did you think I didn¡¯t know about your rtionship with other men years ago?¡± Merly¡¯s eyes widened. She couldn¡¯t believe that her husband had known about it ever since and was not saying anything. ¡°Who knows? Until now, you¡¯re still sleeping with different men just like your daughter!¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Merly said angrily before she pped Emerson. It was so hard that his face turned, making him ball his fist, wanting to give his wife a beating. ¡°If you didn¡¯t get that bitch Lucy pregnant, make me your bastard¡¯s mother, and make them live with us; this should not have happened to us!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Emerose went out of her bedroom, shocked. ¡°Emerald is Dad¡¯s bastard?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes! I can¡¯t hold it anymore. You should know the truth. Your father raped Lucy and got her pregnant with Emerald. For that bitch not to put your father in jail, she requested to keep her and that jinx in our family.¡±


    Emerose was in disbelief. She never thought that the little sister she grew up with and was envious of was a bastard. Her dad¡¯s bastard. She balled her fist in frustration while ring at her father, who was also looking at her. Out of anger, she ran out of their house, undecided about where she would go.

 Chapter 64

    WARNING!! MATURE CONTENT!!


    Emerald is in the SoftWare Group and was finalizing the game she and Jace¡¯s team assigned to her. She couldn¡¯t believe that she would be inspired to finish the project because of the recent events. Because her team was very reliable, she didn¡¯t have problems in other areas besides some minor adjustments with their work, so she concentrated on her task alone.


    ¡°Dear wife, don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡± Emerald looked up, smiling after she heard her husband, and found him leaning on her office door frame as always.


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± she replied, waiting for Jace toe closer and receive his kiss.


    ¡°It¡¯s past 6, isn¡¯t that overworking?¡±


    ¡°Overtime but not overworking. And just to let you know, which I know you knew already, once somethinges to mind, you won¡¯t be able to stop yourself from working.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get that.¡± Jace smiled as he caressed his wife¡¯s smooth face. He felt happy that things turned out to be good for her, and he was hoping that they would be able to find Ember as well.


    ¡°Dad told me that my grandfather will being soon, and he¡¯s still in disbelief that he has a granddaughter and a great-grandson, but he¡¯s just very excited to meet us.¡±


    ¡°Of course he is. But please know that my parents and Jack are also excited to meet you. So, if you have time, why don¡¯t you give them the honor of visiting them?¡±


    ¡°Oh my!¡± Young Morgan eximed. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that I forgot about them.¡±


    ¡°No harm done. I exined to them that you, I mean, we are busy, and they understand.¡±


    ¡°Thank God,¡± she said in relief. ¡°We could go and visit them with Ace this weekend.¡±


    ¡°Weekend it is,¡± Jace agreed. After a few more checks and ensuring the safety of her files, Emerald turned off herputer and went home, knowing her son was waiting for her and Jace, as always.


    At home, the family had dinner happily. They spent time ying in Ace¡¯s room before they decided to tuck him into his bed to sleep. ¡°Thanks, Mom and Dad. I am very happy that our family isplete.¡±


    ¡°We are very happy too, son. And please forgive me if it takes too long. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    ¡°No, Dad. There¡¯s nothing to forgive. Everything happens perfectly.¡± Emerald watched her husband and son talking as she wiped her eyes, which began to water.


    ¡°Nevertheless, it¡¯s every father¡¯s responsibility to make sure that their family isplete, safe, and well taken care of.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure to be like you, Dad.¡± The boy replied,


    ¡°Like me?¡± Jace asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes, like you. A responsible father and husband to me and Mom.¡± Ace answered, making young Higginson hug him. He was so happy that his son had forgotten about what he did to him and his mother and, at the same time, forgave him. He promises himself not to let him and Emerald down again.


    ***


    It¡¯s the weekend, and Ace was excited to meet his grandparents. Because of some matters his parents had to attend to, he understands they can¡¯t bring him to the Higginson mansion at will. He also understands why he needs to have bodyguards whenever he goes to school and do everything his parents tell him to do to ensure his safety. For him, following everything they said was his way of helping them with whatever problems they were facing, and at the same time, he didn¡¯t want to be a burden to them.


    Although he is just a kid and would want to y all the time, Ace is very understanding and smart. Which Emerald and Jace were thankful for. ¡°Oh dear boy,¡± Jessica said when she saw little Ace running, who went to them as soon as he got out of the car.


    ¡°Granny!!¡± the boy shouted and hugged his grandma. Nick was just watching them before looking at Jace and Emerald, who were walking towards them hand in hand.


    ¡°You finally bring your wife with you,¡± The Higginson patriarch said,


    ¡°Hi, Mr. Higginson.¡± Emerald greeted me.


    ¡°You know you should call him Dad as well, right?¡± Jessica said, smiling.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll call you Mom,¡± Emerald replied with a sweet smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Good thing that you know.¡± The womenughed as Jack and his wife Eunice approached them with their daughter.


    ¡°Hello, sister-inw.¡± Jack greeted before giving Emerald a peck on the cheek, and so did his wife.


    Emerald felt weed and was happy that Jace brought her to his family. The meeting, which had been more than five years overdue, was very joyous for everyone, especially Jace. He was filled with happiness that he couldn¡¯t contain in his heart, and it showed on his face and actions.


    Mr. and Mrs. Higginson were very happy seeing how their sons lived now. After the incident with Jack and then Jace throwing Emerald out of his life, they started losing hope that they would be able to find the happiness they deserved. But watching them now, looking so happy and content with their own family, the old Higginson couple felt relieved.


    Jace¡¯s family decided to sleep in the mansion and upy Jace¡¯s room when he was still living with them. On the other hand, Ace stays in a different room with his nanny. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you need to give me a lot of siblings, Dad.¡± The boy reminded his father before he went to his bedroom, making his parentsugh with the other couples there.


    ¡°Alright, you can go to your rooms now and give us more grandchildren,¡± Jessica said, pushing their sons and wives to their bedrooms.


    ¡°So, this is your room?¡± Emerald asked,


    ¡°Our room, dear wife. Whenever we¡¯re here, it¡¯s ours.¡± Jace held her hand, led her to the bed, and kissed her. ¡°Hmm, your lips are really sweet,¡± he said after their long, breathtaking kiss.


    ¡°I gotta clean up first.¡± Jace let go of Emerald and showed her to the bathroom.


    ¡°Everything you need will be here, and if there¡¯s more, just tell me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Emerald replied, smiling. She was about to close the door, but her husband stopped her. ¡°What?¡± she asked, confused.


    ¡°Do you think you will need anything else in there?¡± Young Higginson asked, looking around the bathroom, which made Emerald do the same.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so; everything¡¯s in here already, just as you said.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Jace replied, grinning, making Emerald crease her forehead. Before she could react, young Higginson gently pushed her inside the bathroom, carry her and putting her down in thevatory.


    ¡°Jace!¡± she eximed before he started kissing her, and she kissed him back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a bath together, dear wife,¡± young Higginson said. Emerald smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s give them more grandchildren, and my grandfather¡¯s great-grandchildren.¡± Emerald¡¯s reply made Jace smile wickedly. He likes how submissive his wife is to him when ites to making love. The two began to undress themselves and pleasure each other in the bathroom and under the shower.


    All they could hear was their moan of pleasure because of the exquisite and sensual feeling their touch and bodies gave to each other. Emerald, who had loved Jace the first time she saw him, was so happy that she could see herself smiling, even if alone. She never thought that she would be able to feel that way after all the pain and hardship she had been through.


    Jace, on the other hand, was feeling overwhelmed. Bringing Emerald into their mansion and letting his parents meet her makes him feel unreal. He also never thought that his wife would let him into her life once again and put all her trust in their rtionship. Although he still feels guilty, young Higginson promises himself that he¡¯ll be young Morgan¡¯s support in everything she wants.


    ¡°Fuck, dear wife, you feel so good..¡± Jace moaned loudly as he roughly thrust his dick inside Emerald, who had her back on him as she clung herself into thevatory in front of her. Young Higginson¡¯s hands were ying on her nipples as he continued pounding on her.


    ¡°Ahhh, Jace¡­¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t hold on to her moans anymore. At first, she was afraid that other people might hear them since she didn¡¯t know whether they would or not.


    ¡°Just let it go, dear wife. No one will hear us; we can do whatever we want without them knowing.¡± Jace assured her, making her go wild, feeling free.


    ¡°Ohhh, shit Jace, you¡¯re big. You filled my insides with your length. Ahhh..¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, dear wife¡­ fuck, I love you so much¡­¡± Jace screamed happily as they both cummed.

 Chapter 65

    A week has passed since Mr. Landers told Emerald about her grandfather¡¯s arrival. Young Morgan is in the Ace Family Grocer¡¯s main office after Jace sends her there before he goes to hispany. She is busy talking to Elise about the grocery¡¯s current condition.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we are growing this fast,¡± Emerald said, looking at Elise, who looked really happy.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it either. Before, I was happy with the ACEGame; I just looked around and provided you and Creep with what you needed legally. But after managing the grocery store, I realized that I like to do this.¡±


    Emerald looked happy after hearing from her friend. She knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to aplish anything without her and Creep. Although young Morgan is very smart, she knows she needs people to guide and support her. That¡¯s where Elise and Creep came into the picture.


    ¡°We will be able to expand to another city. I will ask Daryl for a possible location,¡± Emerald said in excitement, and Elise agreed immediately.


    Ace Family Grocers has nine branches in total. Previously, when everything was okay with the Morgan family, it was up to 30 plus. But after all the bankruptcy the family faced, Emerald was lucky enough to acquire it with the remaining number of branches.


    ¡°Slowly, we will bring the grocery store to its former glory, M,¡± Elise said sincerely.


    ¡°I admit, after knowing I¡¯m not a Morgan, I was tempted to let this grocery store go. But I realize this is not about showing the Morgans my worth but about giving my son a secure future. And now that Jace and I are back together, I was more eager to show people that I am capable and don¡¯t need to rely on his money.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to prove anything to anyone, M.¡±


    ¡°I know that, but they don¡¯t. I just want to prevent some untoward incident where they would talk to my son and tell him how reliant I was on his father. No, I won¡¯t let that happen.¡± Young Morgan said with conviction. With all the hardship she¡¯s been through, one thing she can¡¯t tolerate is when she hears people using her of being dependent on Jace.


    Jace Higginson, being one of the wealthiest in the country, began at such a young age that many wanted him for themselves. Even those who belong to the upper ss wanted him to be their daughter¡¯s husband.


    As Emerald and Elise were busy nning the grocery store¡¯s expansion, the office door burst open, and Emerose came rushing in. ¡°How dare you, you bastard!¡± she shouted. She left the door open so everyone outside the office could hear her.


    ¡°And what are you doing here, legitimate daughter?¡± Emerald asked calmly. She had no n to be affected by Emerose since she already knew who she was.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem shocked. Did you already know that you¡¯re my father¡¯s bastard to your nanny?¡± Emerose asked. She¡¯s angrier because she thought she could catch young Morgan off guard. But after hearing her reaction and seeing her face, she trembled in anger, thinking she was thest one to know about the truth.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Why would I get shocked? Don¡¯t you think I would never think about who I am after everything you and your family did to me?¡± Emerald asks. ¡°No parents would treat their children the way your parents did to me. It¡¯s not my fault you are such an idiot; it never crossed your mind. Do you think you are so special because of how they treated me?¡± Emerald continued with mockery.


    Emerose balled her fist and tightened her jaw. She looked around and realized that thepany she thought would be hers was no longer in her family¡¯s possession. She thought that a lot had changed in his father¡¯s office. ¡°I am going to get this back, bastard. Mark my word; I will do everything to take back what you took away from me and my family.¡±


    ¡°Do whatever you want to do; I am ready. And don¡¯t think that, just like before, you could do stupid things without being punished. I¡¯ll put you in your ce wherever our paths cross.¡± Emerald replied confidently.


    After experiencing all the hardship in the Morgan family and while she left Jace to live in another country, Emerald started not to fear anything. Unless it was about her son, nothing and no one would be able to threaten her.


    She thought she had been through a lot. Yes, she has everything she could ask for now, but she¡¯s not afraid to lose all the wealth she has right now because she knows she can get up and start anew. In addition to her confidence, she knew that she had her father and grandfather, whom she would meet soon, and her biological mother, whom she would never stop looking for; they would be by her side no matter what. Most of all, she has Jace and their son to think of, so she won¡¯t have time to be sullen.


    Emerose left the office angrily. Not thinking that the Emerald she knew back then was gone. Before, she thought young Morgan was just trying to appear strong and independent. But after talking to her now, she realizes that she needs to exert more effort if she wants topletely take her little sister down.


    ***


    ¡°Oh dear, are you Ember and Harry¡¯s daughter?¡± Old Ferguson was staring at Emerald sitting in front of him. He just arrived from Italy and was excited to meet her granddaughter. After Mr. Landers told him about her, he couldn¡¯t sleep and started thinking about his daughter. He settled everything he needed in hispany after he asked his assistant to book a flight for him.


    ¡°She¡¯s Ember¡¯s daughter, Uncle Dean. No doubt about it.¡± Mr. Landers said, smiling. He was also looking at his daughter, and he understood how the old man felt. He felt the same way at first and was in disbelief. The old man¡¯s eyes began to water, and so did Emerald.


    Looking at the old man, she realized he looked like her nanny. Their resemnce-they have the same eye color and nose-made it easy for her to tell they were rted.


    ¡°Could you do this old man a favor?¡± Mr. Ferguson asked. Emerald smiled and nodded. ¡°Can youe here and give your grandpa a hug?¡±


    Without a second thought, Emerald got up and sat beside her grandpa before she engulfed him in her embrace. Young Morgan felt unexinable feelings, like when she and Mr. Landers hugged for the first time. She felt safe and secure, something she had never felt with the Morgan family. She realized that she was never a Morgan, and instead of harboring anger, she decided to ept all the truth in her life. Not because she knew she would have a better life with Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson but because she felt loved, safe, and secure. The feeling she yearned to feel and received from the family she grew up with but failed.


    ¡°You are my granddaughter,¡± Mr. Ferguson said, crying while gently caressing Emerald¡¯s back. She was crying, too, because of the different emotions she began to feel. She felt overwhelmed, and everyone around her could see that. ¡°I¡¯ve longed to see your mother for a very long time. Until now, I¡¯m still searching for her. If I had known that she uses her mother¡¯s maiden name, it would have been so easy; I failed her as her father,¡± the old man said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, grandfather, and it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. My mom loves you so much; I know because she always tells me that when we¡¯re together. She also said she misses you and wants to see you again.¡± Young Morgan said.


    Mr. Ferguson gently pushed her away, and with a creased forehead, he asked, ¡°Really? Are you telling the truth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa. I remember we were in my bedroom, and I asked her if she missed her family. She said yes and told me that she wanted to see her Dad,¡± Emerald answered. ¡°I feel sad that night because I know she doesn¡¯t have any family or rtives, so I thought she wanted to die; that¡¯s why I cried so hard because I didn¡¯t want her to leave me either.¡±


    Mr. Ferguson¡¯s tears uncontrobly streamed down his face. He didn¡¯t know that his beloved daughter also missed him so much. ¡°I thought she hated me,¡± he said hoarsely.


    ¡°No, she never hated you but loves you so much,¡± Emerald assures him. Cedrick, Mr. Landers, and Jace, who were watching them, couldn¡¯t help but feel happy. They thought that only Ember was missing and everything would be okay.

 Chapter 66

    ¡°How is everyone?¡± asked Jace, looking at Emerald and the other team who were ready tounch the game they developed. They all looked excited and very happy because they managed to finish everything earlier than nned and the whole esport industry has been waiting for it.


    The first time theyunched their teaser, every gamer anticipated the game to be exciting and challenging at the same time. Emerald made sure that the yers would be able to enjoy every level that they had to get through before advancing. The items they need to buy were on sale for the first week which the gamers will take advantage of. The story behind every character was written by known writers as well so everything in the game was worth the wait.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± everyone replied before they pped their hands. Emerald who was standing beside her husband was feeling nervous which always happens whenever sheunches a new game. Jace took her hands and held her tightly to calm her.


    ¡°Rx, dear wife. I¡¯m sure everything is going to be okay,¡± he assures her. Young Morgan nodded, smiling before she looked at everyone and made their way near the stage, where they would be waiting to be called by the host for theunching.


    Meanwhile, Emerose who blended her presence in the crowd was watching from afar and she couldn¡¯t believe seeing Emerald and Jace talking casually. She was very furious thinking they were already on good terms especially when young Higginson put some strands of young Morgan¡¯s hair behind her ear.


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe this, I am not going to let that bitch get the best of everything!¡¯ Emerose told herself angrily. The envious that was always in her heart for her little sister ate her again, making her clench her fist and tremble in anger. ¡®I must think of a way to make her suffer. It seems like what Jace did to her wasn¡¯t enough to break her. I didn¡¯t know that he was too soft.¡¯ she added before she turned around.


    But the eldest Morgan didn¡¯t leave the event. She looked for a better ce where she would be able to stay and watch without being noticed by either Emerald or Jace. She didn¡¯t want them to be cautious of her presence even though she wasn¡¯t nning on doing anything. She knew better not to act stupid on that very moment or it would backfire at her.


    Although she was in disguise, Emerose still thinks that it would be better to keep herself hidden in the eyes of the people she would get her revenge on. She didn¡¯t want to miss any information that might help her aplish the n she had been thinking about ever since she found out that Emerald was her half-sister and her father¡¯s bastard to Lucy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wee, the President and CEO of SoftWare Group, Mr. Jace Higginson!¡± the host announced, making Emerose, who was sitting on the side, near the young audience whom she thought were gamers, look at the stage.


    She found Jace standing in the center with a microphone in his hand, smiling as he waited for the apuse to fade. ¡®The bastard is really handsome,¡¯ Emerose thought.


    ¡°Thank you very much foring,¡± Jace started. ¡°This is my first attempt at engaging in esports. After witnessing the satisfaction on every gamer¡¯s faces whether they win or lose, I began dreaming of developing a game that I¡¯m sure everybody would love with coboration to ACEGame Development. Who would have thought that this dream will eventually lead me back to the love of my life that I once lost?¡± Everyone started buzzing and gossiping while Higginson waited for his words to sink in his audience¡¯s heads.


    ¡°His love of his life? I never thought that he had one,¡± Emerose heard someone say from behind. She rolled her eyes because she too can¡¯t believe that her little sister was Jace¡¯s love of his life. She thought he was very angry at him and even though she already felt before that he was taking a liking to young Morgan, she still didn¡¯t believe that young Higginson will eventually fall for her little sister deeply.


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t know that something like that happened to them¡­¡± A young gamer said in a dreamy state as Jace continued telling them about how he and Emerald got separated. It wasn¡¯t in detail, but for the young generation, they thought it was romantic. And that made Emerose¡¯s anger arise.


    ¡°So I hope that you will be able to enjoy the game my wife,¡± Jace said, looking at Emerald, motioning her toe to him, which she did, smiling. ¡°Had developed for mypany. I mean, for ourpany.¡± he corrected before the apuse was heard again.


    ¡°His wife is very beautiful, and I didn¡¯t know that she was the one who developed the Mobile Ace sh!¡± someone from beside Emerose eximed. She had no idea about what the gamers were saying, but she still felt furious because she knew that they were praising Emerald.


    Because of all the good things that she keeps on hearing about her little sister, Emerose decided to leave and look for another ce to stay as she watches everything that happens during theunching. As she walked, she identally went to the back stage and continued walking until she reached the dressing room. ¡°Keep your eyes on the boy and don¡¯t let him out of your sight.¡± Daryl told a man who nodded his head.


    ¡®Boy?¡¯ Emerose curiously asked herself and wondered who the boy that Daryl was referring to. Then a woman opened the door, making eldest Morgan get a glimpse inside and found the boy ying. Then she began to remember Emerald and the boy at school. As the woman finished talking to Daryl, she went inside and one more time, Emerose saw the boy and noticed that he looked like Jace. She decided to hide herself behind a column and waited for any information about the boy.


    ¡°Have you seen Sir Jace¡¯s son? He¡¯s so cute, right?¡± a woman said, happily as she and her friend walked on their way backstage.


    ¡®Jace¡¯s son? Does that mean, the boy I saw earlier is his son? To whom? Wait, to Emerald?¡¯ Emerose continues talking to herself. ¡®That bitch! She made sure to get pregnant with Jace before she left? Is that the reason why he took her back? Just because of the boy?¡¯


    Before Emerose left, she made sure to find out everything she can about the boy, Emerald and Jace. She wanted to find anything that could help her in nning her revenge. She wanted to make sure that everything will be in ce once she finalizes everything. ¡®I didn¡¯t want to fail! I am going to make sure that you¡¯re going to suffer, Emerald. You and your bastard son!¡¯


    Back in the event, Emerald and Jace were talking to different businessmen who were also interested to coborate with ACEGame as well as SoftWare group. Since Jace¡¯spany is already a giantpany, he doesn¡¯t need anyone for financial support. His family has other businesses too which his brother Jack was managing so he has all the resources he needs.


    But ACEGame will definitely need more, especially when they were also thinking about manufacturing a console game. Jace felt proud about his wife when he heard her n about herpany. He believes Creep and the others were part of their sess but Higginson trusts that it was Emerald who always thought about how they could improve.


    Theunching is a sess and everyone who witnessed it was looking forward to more of the ACEGame and SoftWare coborations in the future especially when the owners of bothpanies are a married couple. The team was very happy when Jace announced that they should look forward to more games they would be developing in the future. As they continued their celebration, they had no idea that the eyes from two different people were watching them.


    The following day, theunching was the headlines of every news in all social media, TV, magazines, newspaper, radio and other business news sources in the country. ¡°It would be best if we strike now, they are busy and won¡¯t be able to have time with the boy.¡± It was Hubert, Emerose went to him as soon as she left the event the other day andid her n. They are in his apartment watching the TV.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Even during theunching, they left someone to look after the boy. I didn¡¯t want to be reckless and get ourselves caught. We must n this well.¡±


    ¡°But babe, can¡¯t you see how wealthy your bastard sister is? If we don¡¯t act now, she might put more security to her son in the future because of the sess of their business.¡±


    Emerose thinks about it as well and realizes that he has a point. But she didn¡¯t want to act drastically. She wanted to be careful so it won;t backfire on them. She wanted revenge without going to jail.


    ¡°I want you to find people who would help us, we won¡¯t be able to do this alone. We need someone who is willing to take the risk but careful enough not to get caught.¡±


    ¡°Roger that!¡± Hubert agreed with a demonic smile on his face.

 Chapter 67

    ¡°Dad, can youe with me on the rollercoaster?¡± Ace asked. Jace looked at Emerald, who wasughing. That¡¯s how the boy was; she knew he would never stop unless he got to ride there. They were in an amusement park where their son requested they go for family bonding.


    ¡°You see, ahm¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared to ride, Dad.¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t contain herughter and let it out, making the father and son look at her, confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said while waving her hands in front of them.


    ¡°Are youughing at me?¡± Jace asked with a furrowed brow.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. I¡¯m sure Mommy isughing at you because you look scared to ride the rollercoaster.¡± Little Ace said, teasing, making Emerald wink at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared!¡± Jace eximed. Although he¡¯s not fond of rides in an amusement park, he¡¯s not a bit scared to try them. It¡¯s just that he was worried for his son.


    ¡°Will you be okay?¡± Young Higginson asked worriedly. Ace nodded in excitement, thinking his father would apany him. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go then.¡±


    ¡°Yehey!!¡± Ace jumped for joy before looking at his mother, who gave him a thumbs-up.


    ¡°How about you, dear wife? Are you not going toe with us?¡±


    ¡°Mom is scared of riding rides like the rollercoaster. She never came with me; it was always Uncle Liam,¡± Ace answered for his mother. After hearing that, Jace was more eager to join his son; he didn¡¯t want to be outdone by Liam.


    Jace carried his son, took Emerald¡¯s hand, and walked them to the ticket booth. ¡°I am not going there,¡± young Morgan said.


    ¡°Okay, but stay where I can see you,¡± Jace replied, and she nodded, smiling.


    After buying their tickets, the father and son lined up and waited for their turn to get on the ride while Emerald watched them. She was happy to see how her son and husband bond together. ¡°Mom, wait for us, okay?¡± Ace shouted while waving his hand.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be just here!¡± Emerald shouted back, assuring her son she would be waiting for them.


    After a few more minutes, the rollercoaster began to move, and Emerald followed her beloved husband and son with her gaze. She watched them enjoy the ride as it rushed down, and she could almost hear Ace shouting, which was mixing with the other people¡¯s screams.


    Emerald sighed deeply when she realized how happy her family life was. Yes, she never thought that Jace would being for her once they met, and revenge was all on her mind when she returned. However, everything changed when she found out she still had feelings for her husband.


    Young Morgan looked up and thanked the heavens for bringing her family back together, and she promised to cherish them. ¡®Yes, I should be happy now. And when we finally find my real mother, everything will be okay.¡¯ she thought.


    After the rollercoaster ride, the family stayed in the amusement park all day. Giving Ace the happiness the couple thought he deserved. It was afternoon, and they decided to grab a bite, so they looked for a kiosk. ¡°Dad, I want hotdogs and marshmallows.¡± Ace requested.


    ¡°Hotdogs and marshmallows it is,¡± Jace agreed and started walking hand in hand with Emerald and Ace in his arms.


    As they eat their food in a shaded part of the park, Jace notices someone looking at them. He doesn¡¯t inform Emerald about it to avoid scaring her. He wants to know whether the man who has already diverted his gaze to another family is a threat to them, so he assesses the situation calmly. He doesn¡¯t want to overreact and ruin his son¡¯s mood, so he stays calm.


    The amusement park was filled with families and friends who wanted to enjoy themselves with their little ones. Jace looked around casually. To his left, a massive Ferris wheel dominated the skyline. Each cabin was filled with wide-eyed children and their equally enthusiastic parents, who pointed and gasped at the panoramic views below.


    His eyes made their way to the man he had seen earlier and found him looking at them again. He realized that he was posing a threat to his family, so he averted his gaze to Emerald and Ace, who were busy eating their hotdogs and marshmallows. ¡°Are you not done yet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Not yet!¡± the boy shouted; he smiled and kept himself alert for whatever might happen.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Jace?¡±


    ¡°Of course, dear wife. Why do you ask?¡± young Higginson asked with a creased forehead. He intentionally shows his wife his confusion so she doesn¡¯t need to think or be suspicious.


    ¡°Nothing, you just seem off?¡± Jace chuckled before he pulled his wife closer and hugged her.


    ¡°Daddy loves my Mommy so much!!¡± Ace celebrated when he saw his parents hugging. Emerald and Jace smiled at him, happy they had satisfied their son with their simple gesture.


    ¡°Alright, where do you want to go next?¡± Asked Jace.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we walk around first?¡± Emerald suggested, and he thought it was a good idea since he wanted to know about the man looking at them.


    Jace tightened his grip on Ace¡¯s small hand as they walked through the bustling crowd of the amusement park, but his focus wasser-sharp. A carefree smile lit Emerald¡¯s face beside him as she pointed out a nearby stand selling giant rainbow lollipops. Ace¡¯s eyes widened with excitement, and he tugged at Jace¡¯s hand, eager to rush over.


    ¡°Daddy, look! Can I have one? Please?¡± Ace pleaded, his youthful voice cutting through the noise.


    ¡°Sure, little man. Let¡¯s go check it out,¡± Jace replied, trying to match his son¡¯s enthusiasm. Yet his eyes flickered at a man standing a few paces away, half-concealed by the crowd. The man had been watching them for several minutes, his gaze unwavering and unnervingly intense.


    ¡°Jace, are you okay?¡± As she ruffled Ace¡¯s hair, Emerald noticed his distraction and asked, ¡°Jace, are you okay?¡± she repeated, her voice was soft but tinged with concern.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± Jace said, smiling. ¡°Just keep an eye on things.¡±


    As they approached the lollipop stand, young Higginson¡¯s senses heightened. The man¡¯s appearance was ordinary-dark jeans, a in t-shirt, and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. But there was something off about how he lingered, his gaze tracking the family with a cold, unsettling intensity.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Jace pretended to fumble with his wallet, using the motion as cover to nce back. The man had moved closer, weaving through the crowd. A knot tightened in Higginson¡¯s stomach. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling they were being hunted and observed like prey.


    ¡°Here you go, dear,¡± Emerald said, handing their son the giant lollipops he¡¯d been eyeing. Ace¡¯s face lit up with pure joy, and he hugged his mother¡¯s leg in gratitude. Jace¡¯s heart clenched at the sight, a sense of protectiveness swelling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head towards the carousel,¡± Jace suggested, his voice steady but his mind racing. The carousel was in a central location, surrounded by plenty of people-safe, or at least safer. He didn¡¯t want to rm Emerald or Ace, but he couldn¡¯t afford to ignore his instincts. He kept a steady pace as they walked, his body positioned protectively between his family and the man. He nced at the attractions, food stalls, bright lights, and colorful banners, but his thoughts were fixated on the man trailing them.


    ¡°Daddy, look! The carousel!¡± Ace eximed, pointing ahead.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, son. Let¡¯s get you on one of those horses,¡± Jace said, forcing his voice to remain calm. As they neared the ride, he chanced another look. The man had stopped by a pretzel stand; his attention was still focused on Jace¡¯s family, though he made a show of checking his phone.


    ¡°Emerald,¡± Jace said softly, drawing her close. ¡°I think we¡¯re being followed,¡± he said. He didn¡¯t want to scare her, but he also wanted her to be ready. At least, whatever happens, he thinks she will be ready and won¡¯t panic.


    Emerald¡¯s eyes widened, and she nced around, her smile faltering. ¡°What do you mean? Who¡¯s following us?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look directly,¡± Jace cautioned. ¡°There is a man about twenty feet back. Baseball cap. He has been observing us from the shaded area we stopped by while eating hotdogs and marshmallows.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s grip tightened on Ace¡¯s hand, her motherly instinct kicking in. ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to get on the carousel,¡± Jace said, his voice firm. ¡°Once we¡¯re on, I¡¯ll monitor him closely. Just act normal.¡±


    They approached the carousel, and Jace lifted Ace onto a brightly painted horse. The ride began to move, a gentle start that soon picked up pace, the world around them blurring into a swirl of colors. Jace kept his gaze fixed on the crowd, scanning for the man still there, standing just beyond the fence that encircled the carousel, his eyes never leaving Jace and his family.


    Jace¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. Who was this man? Why was he following them? The park had thousands of people-families, friends, and children. Why target them?


    The carousel slowed, and Jace helped Ace down from his horse. ¡°Let¡¯s head towards the Ferris wheel,¡± he said, steering them in the opposite direction of the man. ¡°Stay close, and if I say run, you run. Understand?¡±


    Emerald nodded, fear and determination etched in her eyes. She held her son¡¯s hand tightly, their steps quickening as they moved through the crowd. Higginson nced back, his heart pounding. The man had begun moving again, shadowing his steps like a dark omen.


    They approached the Ferris wheel. Long line, but Jace saw it as an opportunity to distance themselves from their pursuer. As they waited, he kept his body between his family and the crowd, scanning for any sign of the man.


    Minutes passed, and finally, they were at the front of the line. The attendant ushered them into a cabin, and the Ferris wheel began its ascent. From their vantage point, Jace scanned the crowd below, searching for the man. He spotted him near the base of the ride, his head tilted back as he watched their cabin rise.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Emerald whispered, her voice trembling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Jace replied, his mind churning with scenarios. ¡°But I won¡¯t let anything happen to you or Ace.¡±


    As the wheel turned, Jace kept his eyes on the man below. The ride offered a momentary reprieve, a chance to think. To ensure his family¡¯s safety, he needed to devise a n to lose their tail. When the ride ended, he took a deep breath. They had to move quickly, blend into the crowd, and disappear. He led them through the maze of attractions and stalls, his mind racing with possibilities.


    They dove into a souvenir shop, the smell of fresh cotton candy and the sight of colorful trinkets momentarily distracting Ace. Jace watched through the window, scanning the crowd for any sign of the man. Minutes passed, and there was no sign of him. Had they lost him?


    Young Higginson turned to Emerald, relief in his eyes. ¡°I think we¡¯re okay,¡± he said, his voice steadying. ¡°But we need to be careful. Let¡¯s head to the exit and get out of here.¡±


    Young Morgan nodded as her grip on Ace tightened. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, her voice firm. Together, they made their way towards the park exit, Jace¡¯s senses on high alert and his protective instincts guiding every step.


    As they reached the gate, Jace took onest look back, scanning the crowd. The sea of faces had swallowed the man. Relief washed over him, but the sense of unease lingered. He knew they were safe for now, but the threat had not vanishedpletely.

 Chapter 68

    Emerald and Jace went to the hotel where Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson stayed. They talked to them about what happened in the amusement park while Ace yed in one of the bedrooms with his nanny while waiting for them. ¡°Then we have to give the boy extra protection; we can¡¯t just let him go with his nanny alone even if someone is looking after them from afar,¡± said Mr. Landers, worried for his grandson all over his face. Emerald and Jace told him and Mr. Ferguson about what happened at the amusement park the following day.


    ¡°I already thought about it and asked my investigator to look for a reliable man to be Ace¡¯s bodyguard,¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°Give my great-grandchild the best protection he could get, son. Make whoever he was trying to go against us regret his or their n. Let them know who they are against.¡± Mr. Ferguson added, looking at Jace. He is not the type to unt his wealth, but after his daughter left and hid, he made sure to spend no matter how much just to find her. He is not going to hesitate to do the same for the safety of his great-grandson and granddaughter, whom he has just met.


    ¡°Being my son alone, no one should try to do anything to harm him, Grandpa,¡± Jace replied, making old Ferguson nod. Now that the three wealthy men have joined their forces, Ace and Emerald¡¯s security has tripled.


    ¡°Dad, Grandpa.¡± Emerald said, ¡°Liam is going toe here too. He said he had something important to tell us,¡± she added.


    Jace looks at his wife with a creased forehead. He had no idea that Liam had called or they had talked to her to get her to know about his arrival. Emerald noticed it, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°He called when you were taking a bath, and I didn¡¯t tell you about it because he only told me that it¡¯s important for us to talk. Since you¡¯reing with me, you¡¯ll be able to know it as well.¡±


    ¡°Still, I want to know everything when ites to that bas¡± Jace replied but stopped when he saw how young Morgan looked at him, which made Mr. Landers and Mr. Fergusonugh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too jealous; I can tell that she loves you.¡± Mr. Landers couldn¡¯t help but assure his son-inw. Although he wasn¡¯t happy about what happened in their past, he also wanted his daughter, Emerald, to be happy, and he was sure that she was because of young Higginson¡¯s presence in her life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad. I just couldn¡¯t help it.¡±


    ¡°Get jealous all you want,¡± Emerald said, smirking. Jace, looking at her, sighed heavily and epted that he couldn¡¯t separate Liam from his wife¡¯s life, and he had to trust his wife.


    After a few more minutes, the doorbell rang, and Mr. Ferguson¡¯s assistant, Alfred, answered. ¡°Hi, M.¡± Liam greeted as he saw them after the assistant led him to where the family was. ¡°Good day, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Landers, Jace,¡± he added after he received a nod and smile from Emerald.


    ¡°Hello, son. Come and sit with us.¡± Mr. Ferguson replied politely. Although he likes Jace for his granddaughter, he also knows that Liam did everything he could to support Emerald and Ace, so he is grateful to him.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ferguson,¡± Liam replied and took the vacant seat beside Emerald while Jace followed him with his gaze. ¡°Is there a problem, Mr. Higginson?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°Nothing, Liam,¡± Emerald replied, making Jace roll his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s just jealous of you,¡± she added. Young Higginson¡¯s eyes widened when he heard Liam¡¯s reply.


    ¡°He should be because I was only waiting for him to make a mistake, and I am going to take you and Ace away.¡±


    ¡°What the!¡± Jace eximed, making Emerald and Liamugh hard. He didn¡¯t like it. He didn¡¯t like that his wife was close to another man, even if he knew he was partly to me.


    Emerald, on the other hand, was happy to see how her friend had moved on. Yes, she knew he had let her go. Although she could still feel that he had feelings for her, he understood that it wasn¡¯t easy to feel that way anymore because she felt the same towards Jace.


    ¡°You should stop teasing him, Liam.¡± Young Morgan said, but stillughing.


    ¡°He¡¯s not fun to be with,¡± Liamined while Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson were shaking their heads, feeling sorry for Jace, who already looked pissed.


    ¡°Enough of that now,¡± Old Ferguson said afterward. He didn¡¯t want Jace to think that he was siding with Liam and that they had important things to discuss, just as Emerald had told them earlier.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Liam agreed and looked at everyone before he continued. ¡°Remember the apartment you stayed at in Italy?¡±


    ¡°What about it?¡± Emerald asks after she nods.


    ¡°Susane called and informed me that she received a text message from here.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from Dr. Sanders.¡± Emerald creases her forehead. She knew Dr. Sanders because he helped her leave the country and was her friend.


    ¡°Did something happen to him? Is it why I can¡¯t get to him as well?¡± Emerald asks continuously.


    ¡°I went to his home and found out from his family that they had not seen him personally for more than five years, but they could sometimes talk to him through a video call.¡±


    ¡°As in?¡± Liam nodded.


    ¡°Why did you visit his family when thendlord just received a message from him? Is it unusual for him to do that? I mean, I remember him.¡± Jace asked, which Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson were also curious to know.


    ¡°Because the message says he¡¯s with her nanny,¡± Liam answered.


    ¡°What?¡± everyone eximed. Especially Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson.


    ¡°Tell us everything, Liam,¡± the old Ferguson said impatiently, and the man nodded and continued.


    ¡°The message said he didn¡¯t know where to contact Emerald. It was addressed to you, M, and he wasn¡¯t sure if you could receive it.¡±


    ¡°Then where are they?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say so because the message was not finished. I think he just tried to send it, or he was in a position where he couldn¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Since he¡¯s with your mother, he must be held captive too because he could do anything but can¡¯t,¡± Jace said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Emerald worriedly.


    ¡°I think they are together. Since your mother was not in good condition when she disappeared, I had a feeling that he was there to make sure that she was fine.¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Liam chimed in. ¡°So, at this time, we can assume that Ms. Ember is safe.¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to myndlord.¡± Emerald insisted.


    ¡°I already talked to her, and she promised to tell us everything if another message came to her.¡± Emerald sighed heavily and in relief. She felt relieved knowing Ember was still alive. But she¡¯s still worried that something might happen to her since she¡¯s not healthy, even though she knew that Dr. Sanders was there to take care of her.


    ¡°Jace, Liam, please do everything you can to find my daughter.¡± Mr. Ferguson said pleadingly. Emerald got up and sat beside her grandfather before she hugged him. She knew how happy he was when he met Ace, and now, knowing that there¡¯s a big possibility that Ember is fine, he has mixed emotions about the situation, but worry is evident on his face.


    ¡°Uncle Dean, we will find Ember no matter what.¡± Mr. Landers said.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa, we will do everything we can. We have many friends who are willing to help us, so don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Emerald said to calm her grandfather.


    ¡°I just want to see her, dear.¡± Mr. Ferguson replied, crying.


    ¡°Me too, Grandpa., and so did my father and, of course, Ace. So we have to be strong now and be patient.¡± Old Ferguson nodded in agreement. He didn¡¯t want to be a burden to anyone, so he promised himself to be at his wits so when the time came that he was needed, he would be able to give his full support.


    Their conversation ended, and after they had dinner, Emerald, Jace, and Ace went home, and so did Liam, who is now staying in a hotel not too far from where Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson were staying. Although the two men have their people looking after them, Emerald would want her friend to be near them in case they needed him.


    The following day, Emerald and Jace went to their respective offices after they sent their son to school. They made sure to do that regrly as part of their bonding as a family.


    ¡°M, you need to go to the ACE Family Grocer main office. Elise needs you there.¡± Creep said as he entered her office.


    ¡°Why? Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°She just wants to discuss the expansion with you. She wanted you to look at the new location Daryl had suggested.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I see, okay,¡± she replied and got up from her seat after cleaning up her table. She knew she couldn¡¯t let the expansion wait and believed it was the best time to do it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of everything here,¡± Creep said as she started walking out of her office and to the elevator. Emerald believes in her friends, especially Creep and Daryl, that they could do well even if she¡¯s not around. That¡¯s why she was confident about leaving any time.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the grocery main office; Elise needs me there,¡± she said after calling Jace. He was supposed to fetch herter after work.


    ¡°Who¡¯s going toe with you?¡± young Higginson asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go there alone. Daryl will be staying to do my other duties.¡±


    ¡°Wait for me, and I¡¯ll go get you and send you there.¡±


    ¡°No need. I just called to let you know. I can manage, Jace.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°No more buts. We can¡¯t always be together; we have work to do.¡±


    ¡°Alright, just make sure to call me when you arrive.¡±


    ¡°Okay, see youter,¡± Emerald replied before she ended the call and went out of the building to wait for the Uber she had booked, unaware of the danger she would be facing.

 Chapter 69

    ¡°Are you sure that this is their normal routine?¡± Hubert asks the man he hired to look after Emerald and their family.


    ¡°We left them as soon as they reached home from the hotel,¡± the man answered.


    ¡°What did they do there?¡±


    ¡°I had no idea, andter another man came too.¡±


    ¡°Who is that man?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t looked at him yet. I just saw him earlier. As for the one staying in that hotel room, I heard from the staff that he was a business tycoon from another country.¡±


    ¡°So, the couple were doing another business? They are really wealthy.¡± Hubert said.


    ¡°I think so too. You know that Mr. Higginson is a well-known businessman. It was difficult to go against him.¡±


    ¡°Are you scared now?¡± Hubert asked angrily.


    ¡°Of course not! But I want to remind you that you must pay us handsomely; Mr. Higginson is not easy to deal with.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. Emerose said that her bastard sister is wealthy in her own right. She was also the founder and CEO of the ACEGame, so we will hit the jackpot once we get either the boy or that bitch,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to know. Since we understand each other, you don¡¯t have to worry because we will do our best to get them.¡± The man replied with a wicked smile on his face.


    The following day, the man and the others watched over Emerald and the boy separately. They focused their attention on them because they knew they wouldn¡¯t have a chance to get Jace easily.


    Seeing Emerald walking out of the ACEGame building alone, the man Hubert hired smiled, thinking he had to take advantage of the situation. He followed young Morgan while he instructed the others to do the same and be ready to get her as soon as she got out of the car.


    Emerald had no idea what was about to happen and was busy thinking about the expansion until she reached the grocery store¡¯s main office and paid the driver before getting out of the car. But as she started walking in the main door of the building, she heard the tires screeching, making her turn around and look.


    Two armed men quickly left the van and grabbed young Morgan, who was still confused. When she realized what was going on, it was already toote since the men already pushed her inside the vehicle and fled.


    ¡°Who are you? What do you want from me?¡± Emerald asked angrily as she continued hitting the men sitting beside her.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±  the man shouted before he pped her, making Emerald shut her mouth because of her pained cheek.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°This is too easy, man; I never thought we would be able to have an opportunity this early, ¡± said the man driving.


    ¡°Hubert will be too happy and might give us the bonus,¡± the man sitting in the passenger seat replied, which excited the other men.


    Emerald was just listening but began to feel scared about her life. ¡°Mark said the boy had his bodyguard, so we would have difficulty taking him.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± young Morgan asked, shocked. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch my son!¡± she added, and the men inside the vanughed. It was so loud that it annoyed her, making her want to kill everyone if only she could. But as she thought about what the man said, she felt relieved, thinking Ace was safe.


    ¡®Yes, it¡¯s better this way; instead of taking my son, I¡¯d rather let them take me.¡¯ Emerald thought and began praying for her life. Although she knows that Jace will do everything to find her, she still doesn¡¯t know what the men with her want from her. ¡®Who the hell is Hubert?¡¯ she asked herself as she tried to recall anyone with that name.


    Young Morgan tried calming herself and began thinking about how to escape them. She hoped that Jace would find out about what had happened to her. She quieted and tried to rx because she knew she needed energy and to always be alert.


    In the Software Group, Jace returns to work after Emerald calls him. He is worried for his wife, but he has someone looking after her, so he thinks she should be fine.


    ¡°Hey man, since you have the best of everything, why don¡¯t you give our employees a break?¡± Kyle asked as he entered his office.


    ¡°You have been telling me about it for how many weeks now? What is it really with you?¡± Jace asked his friend.


    ¡°Well, I heard from some of our employees that they wanted to conduct a team building. For thest months, they felt drained with all the work we asked them to do.¡±


    ¡°You take care of those things, Kyle. I have no time for that. You know how much I want to spend time with my family after work.¡±


    ¡°Alright, all I need is your approval,¡± Kyle replied, smiling.


    ¡°When ites to our employees¡¯ needs, growth, and well-being, I already told you that I¡¯m ready to support them,¡± Jace replied.


    ¡°Thank you, man, that you didn¡¯t forget about them.¡±


    ¡°That will never happen. You know how much I owe our sess to those who also worked hard when we started.¡± Jace replied.


    After they finalized the program with their team-building, Kyle left the office to ry what they agreed to the personnel responsible for the program. He knew that his friend was busy searching for Ember and making up for Emerald and Ace. He understood that Jace wanted to spend most of his time with his family since he had been lonely after his wife left him.


    In his office, Jace went back to work. He forgot about Emerald, who should have texted him when she arrived at her office in the grocery store. ¡°Hello,¡± he said after he answered the call from Cade, one of his men whom he asked to look after his wife and son.


    ¡°Sir, someone took Ms. Emerald.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jace abruptly got up from his seat with worry on his face. ¡°How the hell did that happen?¡±


    ¡°We were following her from ACEGame, and when she got out of the Uber, a van arrived, and they were too fast; we didn¡¯t make it in time.¡±


    ¡°And what are you doing now?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re chasing the van. But as I already said, they were fast. I already called one of my men on his motorcycle to get closer.¡±


    ¡°How about my son?¡± Jace asked when he remembered Ace. He suddenly got worried that they were after the boy as well.


    ¡°Both he and his nanny are well-guarded. Sonny is with them along with the other three who were looking out from not too far.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to stay closer. I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to my son; you got that?¡± Jacemanded.


    ¡°Roger that, sir. I will keep you updated with Ms. Emerald once we get caught up to the van.¡±


    ¡°No, tell me, where are you now? I am going to tell my inws about this.¡±


    ¡°Alright, sir.¡± The man shared their location with young Higginson and quickly contacted Liam as soon as they ended their call. As much as possible, he didn¡¯t want the man to get involved in his family. But he also knew safeguarding his family was more important than giving time for his jealousy.


    Emerald also ensured Jace knew Liam¡¯s number in case something required them to help each other. The situation at the moment required their cooperation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad, but I think you must stay at the hotel with Grandpa,¡± Jace told Mr. Landers.


    ¡°What? Are you crazy? Emerald is my daughter!¡± Mr. Landers eximed. He feels so angry when Jace tells him not to get involved. They were only talking on the phone, but young Higginson almost felt how furious the old man was.


    ¡°I know, and this is not to disrespect you. I just want my wife to be safe at all costs.¡±


    ¡°And what does my presence have to do with it?¡±


    ¡°Whoever took Emerald would wonder who you are and will start their investigation. I didn¡¯t want them to find out that she¡¯s rted to you because your status and that of Grandpa might be another reason for them to target her even after we rescue her.¡± Young Higginson exined.


    Mr. Landers was quiet for a moment before Jace heard him sighing. ¡°I understand, but keep me and Uncle Dean updated.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad. I¡¯m sorry about this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Please, bring my daughter back to us.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Dad,¡± Jace replied, and they ended the call.


    Young Higginson was only trying to keep himself steady. He was scared for the life of his wife and also for Ace. Sonny, the bodyguard looking after his son, called and told him that he already excused Ace from the ss and brought him home for safety. Now, he can focus on rescuing Emerald. He is on his way to the elevator and meets Kyle.


    ¡°Jace,¡± his friend said, and Jace informed him of what happened afterward. ¡°Go and save her; I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you; I have to go,¡± Higginson replied. After Kyle nodded, Jace rushed inside the elevator. He left, following the location registered on his phone that Cade shared with him. Liam had already called Detective Santos, who alerted the police and shared the van¡¯s location, which had taken Emerald.


    Meanwhile, Emerald was unconscious when the man threw her into the vacant room after they arrived at their hideout. ¡°Make sure to tie her tightly so she won¡¯t be able to escape.¡± The leader told his underlings.


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡± the man answered and grabbed the chair on the corner and carried the unconscious Emerald before he sat her there and tied her up.


    ¡°Hmm..¡± Emerald groaned.


    ¡°The woman¡¯s awake, boss.¡±


    ¡°Good, Hubert will being here soon, ¡± the leader replied, leaving the room. He was expecting to receive their payment and was already thinking about everything he wanted to do to Emerald since he had a feeling that Hubert would want her dead.

 Chapter 70

    Emerald¡¯s head pounded as she slowly came to feel the cold, damp air filling her lungs. Her eyes blinked open, adjusting to the dim light of a single bulb swaying overhead. She found herself in a grimy, windowless room, the walls stained and bare. Panic surged through her as she realized she was tied to a wooden chair, her wrists and ankles bound tightly with rough, cutting rope.


    She struggled against her restraints, but the rope dug painfully into her skin, making her efforts futile. Her mind raced, trying to put back together the pieces of memories of her abduction-the sudden yank as she stepped out of the Uber at the grocery main office, the rough hands dragging her into a van, and the oppressive darkness that followed after the man beside her gave her a hard p on her cheeks after trying to fight them when she heard the men talking about Ace.


    Young Morgan¡¯s heart pounded as she looked around the room and felt more scared. The only exit was a heavy steel door, and there was no sign of her captors. Just as her eyes began to water with fear and frustration, the door creaked open, and a man stepped inside.


    He was tall, with broad shoulders and a rugged face etched with a cruel smirk. His cold eyes locked onto Emerald¡¯s, and he stepped closer, his presence filling the small room with menacing energy.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re awake,¡± the man said, his voice dripping with malicious satisfaction. ¡°I was thinking you¡¯d sleep through the whole thing.¡±


    ¡°Who are you? Why are you doing this?¡± Emerald¡¯s voice trembled, but she forced herself to meet the man¡¯s gaze with fear and defiance.


    ¡°The name¡¯s Hubert,¡± he said, taking another step forward. Young Morgan thought that the man was crazy for answering her question. Still, the realization that he was doing it because he had no intention of making her leave the room alive scared her. ¡°And as for why-let¡¯s just say you¡¯ve irritated someone close to you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Emerald stammered. ¡°What do you want with me?¡± Hubert¡¯s smirk widened.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about what I want; it¡¯s about what your dear sister Emerose wants.¡±


    ¡°Emerose?¡± Emerald¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, her mind reeling. ¡°What does she have to do with this?¡±


    ¡°Everything,¡± Hubert said, a cruelugh escaping his lips. ¡°You see, Emerose has always hated you. That¡¯s why she convinced your parents to make your life miserable. When she discovered that you were your father¡¯s bastard to your nanny, she decided it was time for you to vanish.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s world spun. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Emerose wouldn¡¯t-¡± she said, giving the older Morgan the benefit of the doubt.


    ¡°Believe it,¡± Hubert interrupted, his voice harsh. ¡°She¡¯s the one who nned all of this. And once we get the ransom from your dear husband, Jace, we will ensure you never cause any more trouble.¡±


    Emerald was overwhelmed by terror and disbelief. She thought of Jace and his reassuring presence, which sparked hope in her heart. He would be there for her-he had to. ¡°My husband will surely catch you,¡± she said.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re so clever, don¡¯t you?¡± he hissed, taking a step towards her. ¡°You think your husband¡¯s going to save you?¡±


    ¡°He will,¡± Emerald said, her voice trembling but defiant. ¡°Jace will find me, and you¡¯ll regret this.¡±


    Hubert¡¯s face contorted with rage. He backhanded her across the face, the force of the blow whipping her head to the side. Pain exploded in her cheek, and she tasted blood as she bit down on her lip.


    ¡°Keep your mouth shut!¡± he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a worthless piece of trash, and your husband¡¯s money is the only thing keeping you alive right now.¡±


    Emerald spat out a mouthful of blood, her eyes zing with defiance. ¡°You¡¯re a coward,¡± she said, her voice low and fierce. ¡°Hiding behind threats and lies. You and Emerose are both pathetic.¡±


    Another p, harder this time, sent her head snapping back. Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of crying. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything,¡± Hubert snarled, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her head back so she was forced to look up at him. ¡°You don¡¯t know what I¡¯m capable of.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just doing Emerose¡¯s dirty work because she can¡¯t face me herself,¡± Emerald shot back, her voice filled with fierce courage despite the pain.


    Hubert¡¯s face twisted in fury. He tightened his grip on her hair, making her wince. ¡°You keep talking, and I¡¯ll make sure you regret it,¡± he hissed. ¡°Do you want to know what will happen to your precious son if you don¡¯t shut up?¡±


    Emerald¡¯s heart froze, her blood running cold. ¡°Leave my son out of this,¡± she pleaded, her voice breaking. ¡°He¡¯s just a child. He¡¯s innocent.¡±


    ¡°Innocent?¡± Hubert sneered. ¡°I wonder how innocent he¡¯ll be after he sees what happens to his mother. One wrong move and I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s next. You wouldn¡¯t want little Ace to grow up without a mother, right?¡±


    Emerald¡¯s eyes filled with tears, the thought of her son in danger almost more than she could bear. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt him. I¡¯ll do whatever you want, just don¡¯t hurt my son.¡±


    Hubert released her hair, a cruel smile ying on his lips. ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± he said, stepping back. ¡°Now, sit tight and behave. Your husband should be here any minute, and we wouldn¡¯t want to make things difficult for him, now would we?¡± Emerald¡¯s mind was a whirlwind of fear and confusion.


    Meanwhile, Hubert had no idea that their hideout was surrounded by the police with Liam and Jace¡¯s men. Cade, who followed them, carefully assessed the situation while waiting for them to arrive.


    ¡°They are inside that abandoned warehouse. I found out that it was owned by Mr. Morgan and had not been used for many years,¡± the detective reported when he faced both Liam and Jace.


    ¡°How about Emerald?¡± Jace asked, and Liam waited for the answer because he worried about his friend.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything that may cause us to worry. But a man arrived, and I think he was the mastermind.¡± Cade replied.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just wait here,¡± Young Higginson said in a panic, thinking about Emerald.


    ¡°It¡¯s not advisable to just barge in; we need to eliminate everyone surrounding the warehouse, or the one holding Ms. Emerald might do drastic action that may harm her,¡± Detective Santos¡¯ police friend said.


    ¡°And what are we going to do?¡± It was Liam.


    ¡°You can follow us, but be careful and never leave our side. We will get in the warehouse while the others eliminate and suppress those on the lookout.¡± Jace and Liam nodded and prepared themselves.


    The police took down all the guards one by one, starting from the back of the warehouse, with Liam. In contrast, the other police and Jace¡¯s team moved forward in front until they finally got inside unnoticed.


    Hubert¡¯s smirk faded as he looked toward the door. A harsh sound of voices and the unmistakable click of firearms being ready shattered the oppressive silence. But one of the goons saw them and started firing his gun, making the police exchange gunshots until none were seen standing.


    Inside the room, Hubert turned back to Emerald, his eyes shing with panic. ¡°It looks like your husband¡¯s here earlier than expected,¡± he snarled. He pulled out a gun, aiming it at her, but the door burst open before he could make a move.


    Loud shouts filled the room as the door flew open, and a dozen police officers stormed in, their weapons drawn and aimed at Hubert. In the chaos, Jace was the first through the door, his eyes zing with fear and fury.


    ¡°Get away from her!¡± Jace shouted, his voice echoing through the small room. He advanced on Hubert with speed, unbothered by the danger he was going into, leaving the kidnapper no time to react.


    Hubert fired a shot, but Jace was faster. He tackled Hubert to the ground, the gun skidding across the floor as they grappled. The room erupted in chaos as more officers poured in, subduing the remaining goons guarding the hideout.


    Emerald watched in stunned disbelief as the scene unfolded. Hubert fought back with desperate fury, punching Jace¡¯s jaw. Still, Jace, fueled by adrenaline and rage, overpowered him. He pinned Hubert to the ground, twisting his arm behind his back and holding him there with a knee pressed into his spine.


    ¡°Jace!¡± Emerald cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks. Relief flooded her voice as she saw her husband, his face grim and determined.


    ¡°Emerald, dear wife,¡± Jace called back, his voice filled with fierce protectiveness. ¡°I¡¯m here. You¡¯re safe now.¡±


    Liam quickly moved to untie Emerald, his hands working deftly to free her from the ropes. ¡°It¡¯s okay now, M,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re safe. We¡¯ve got you.¡±


    As soon as the ropes fell away, Emerald stumbled into Jace¡¯s arms. He held her tightly in his embrace, a fortress against the fear and trauma of the past hours. The police secured the room around them, detaining Hubert¡¯s goons and ensuring there were no further threats.


    ¡°You came for me,¡± Emerald whispered, her voice choked with emotion. ¡°I knew you would.¡±


    ¡°I will alwayse for you,¡± Jace replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re everything to me. I would never let anything happen to you.¡±


    Emerald clung to him, her body trembling with relief and exhaustion. The nightmare was over. She was safe in Jace¡¯s arms, and nothing else mattered.


    As the police led Hubert away in handcuffs, he spat at Jace, his eyes filled with venom. ¡°This isn¡¯t over. You¡¯ll never be free of her!¡±


    Jace ignored him, focusing solely on Emerald. ¡°Let¡¯s get you home,¡± he said gently, guiding her towards the exit, where a waiting ambnce stood ready. ¡°You¡¯ve been through enough.¡±


    Outside, the night was cool and clear, a stark contrast to the horror of the hideout. Police lights started shing blue and red against the dark sky, casting eerie shadows across the scene. Emerald took a deep breath, the crisp air filling her lungs and washing away thest trace of fear.


    As they reached the ambnce, Jace helped her inside, his hand never leaving hers. ¡°You¡¯re safe now,¡± he said again, his voice soothingly balming her ravel nerves. ¡°We¡¯re going to be okay.¡±


    Despite the tears, Emerald nodded a small smile on her lips. She looked up at Jace, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, her voice filled with a depth of emotion that words could never fully capture.


    Jace squeezed her hand, his eyes softening with tenderness. ¡°Nothing in this world I wouldn¡¯t do for you, dear wife. You¡¯re my everything.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Young Morgan¡¯s eyes widened when she remembered their son, ¡°What about Ace? Where is he?¡± she asked fearfully.


    ¡°Shh¡­ Our son is fine. He¡¯s at home with Sonny and Keng, so you don¡¯t have to worry,¡± young Higginson answered as he gently tapped her back.


    Young Morgan nodded and slowly told Jace what Hubert had told her about being Emerose as the mastermind of her kidnapping.


    ¡°I promise we will put her in jail,¡± Young Higginson assures her so she doesn¡¯t need to feel scared anymore. Thest thing he wanted was for his wife to feel threatened, so he decided to make Emerose pay for what she did.

 Chapter 71

    ¡°Where have you been, dear?¡± Asked Merly. She just left the kitchen and was about to call Emerson for breakfast when Emerose came in from outside.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± the eldest Morgan answered before she went straight to her bedroom.


    ¡°Are you not going to eat yet?¡± Her mother asked but didn¡¯t bother looking at Merly, who shook her head and went to their bedroom to call her husband.


    The couple were eating when they heard a knock on the door. They looked at each other before Emerson motioned Merly to get up and check who was knocking. Merly sighed as she walked to the door and opened it.


    ¡°Good morning. Is this Ms. Emerose Morgan¡¯s house?¡± Merly¡¯s eyes widened, and she wanted to say no since it was the police who were asking, and she started to feel worried.


    ¡°What do you want from her?¡± she asked bravely, but fear engulfed her.


    ¡°We need to invite her to the police station.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? What did she do?¡± She asked continuously and decided to close the door, but the police were alert and immediately stopped her.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± It was Emerson. He wondered what was taking his wife so long, so he went out to check on her. ¡°Why is there a police here? Did you do something wrong, Merly?¡± the Morgan patriarch asked angrily, ring at his wife.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Merly eximed. ¡°They were looking for Emerose.¡±


    Emerson confusedly looked at the two police officers before him, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°We want to invite Ms. Morgan to the police station for the kidnapping case.¡±


    ¡°What!!¡± The couple eximed and looked at each other exactly when the door of Emerose¡¯s room opened, making them look at it.


    ¡°Dad, Mom, what¡¯s going on?¡± Emerose ask. She heard themotion, so she went out.


    ¡°Ms. Emerose Morgan?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°We want to invite you to the police station for questioning.¡±


    ¡°Why? What did I do?¡±


    ¡°Someone pointed you out as the mastermind for kidnapping Ms. Emerald Morgan.¡± the police officer answered.


    ¡°What?¡± the three eximed.


    ¡°Wait, no, I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± Emerose shouted, but the police still took her and put the handcuffs on her. ¡°Dad! Mom! Please help me!¡± she continued screaming as the police dragged her to the police car. Emerson and Merly get in their car and follow them.


    Emerose sat in a stark, sterile interrogation room at the police station, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anger. She nced nervously at the mirrored window, aware that officers were watching her from the other side.


    She had just changed out of her skimpy outfit from the Red House when the police showed up at their doorstep.


    Emerson and Merly stood outside the interrogation room, their faces pale with worry and anger at the same time. The police exined to the couple that Jace and Emerald had filed a kidnapping case against Emerose.


    Inside the room, Detective Harding sat across from Emerose, his hands folded on the table between them. He watched her with piercing eyes, waiting for her to speak.


    Emerose shifted ufortably in her seat, her mind racing. She knew she had to tread carefully. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why I¡¯m here,¡± she said, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Detective Harding raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. ¡°We have reason to believe you were involved in the kidnapping of Emerald Morgan,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. Emerose¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She forced herself to look confused.


    ¡°Kidnapping? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ve been at work all day.¡±


    ¡°Work?¡± Detective Harding said, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. ¡°But that¡¯s not the issue right now. We¡¯re interested in your rtionship with Hubert.¡±


    Emerose felt a jolt of fear. Under the table, she clenched her fists, silently cursing Hubert for getting caught and dragging her into this mess. ¡°Hubert? I don¡¯t know anyone named Hubert,¡± she lied, her voice wavering slightly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y games with us,¡± Detective Harding said, leaning forward. ¡°Hubert is the man who we believe orchestrated the kidnapping. We have evidence linking him to you.¡± Emerose¡¯s mind raced. She had to keep her story straight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± she said, trying to sound indignant. ¡°I¡¯ve never met anyone named Hubert.¡±


    Before Detective Harding could respond, the door to the interrogation room opened, and an officer motioned for him to step outside. He gave Emerose a warning look before leaving the room.


    Emerson and Merly stood in the hallway, their faces etched with worry, confusion, and anger. They watched as Detective Harding approached them, their expressions pleading for answers.


    ¡°Detective, what¡¯s happening?¡± Emerson asked, his voice trembling. ¡°Why is our daughter facing such a terrible crime?¡± The detective took a deep breath.


    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, we have substantial evidence that suggests Emerose was involved in the nning and execution of Emerald Morgan¡¯s kidnapping. The suspect already confessed.¡±


    Merly gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. ¡°That can¡¯t be true,¡± she whispered, tears filling her eyes. ¡°Emerose would never do something like that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still investigating from all angles,¡± Detective Harding said gently. ¡°But right now, we must question her about her involvement and rtionship with Hubert.¡±


    The door opened again, and Detective Harding re-entered his expression sternly. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to the matter at hand,¡± he said, sitting across from Emerose. ¡°We have evidence that Hubert was in contact with you several times before the kidnapping. Can you exin that?¡± She felt a surge of anger and frustration, thinking her carefully constructed life was falling apart, and it was all because of that idiot, Hubert.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Emerose said, trying to sound outraged. ¡°I don¡¯t know this, Hubert, and I didn¡¯t have anything to do with the kidnapping.¡±


    Detective Harding slid a stack of photos across the table. ¡°These were taken from Hubert¡¯s phone. They show you multiple meetings with him. Are you still going to deny knowing him?¡±


    Emerose nced at the photos, her stomach sinking. There she was, unmistakably meeting with Hubert outside the Red House and at various locations around town. She swallowed hard, trying toe up with an exnation.


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡± she said, her voice shaking. ¡°I¡¯ve met him a few times, but I didn¡¯t know his name was Hubert. He said his name was Henry, and he was just a customer at the Red House. I didn¡¯t know he was involved in anything illegal.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Detective Harding leaned back in his chair, watching her closely. ¡°Ms. Morgan, this isn¡¯t the time to lie. We¡¯ve got enough evidence to link you to the kidnapping. If you cooperate, it might help your case.¡±


    Emerose clenched her teeth, fury bubbling up inside her. She had been careful to keep her real life and her job at the Red House separate. And now it was all unraveling because of that fool, Hubert. She looked up at Detective Harding, her eyes shing with anger. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about any kidnapping,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve been at work, and if Hubert or Henry, or whatever his name is, was involved, I didn¡¯t know anything about it.¡±


    Detective Harding studied her momentarily, ¡°Why do you keep on lying? You should know very well that we have already confirmed that Hubert also works in the Red House, and he has already confessed that you¡¯re the one who asked him to look for someone who will do the task. Are you going to deny that?¡±


    The eldest Morgan was so furious that she gritted her teeth and red at the detective, who was now smirking at her. ¡°He may be working there, but it doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re together in the kidnapping he was caught with. I am an entertainer and stay in the VIP rooms. We are not allowed to go out and talk to other workers, especially male employees. I¡¯m pretty sure you know that as well. Being photographed with him doesn¡¯t also mean that we were plotting something. What¡¯s wrong with having casual conversations outside work?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, I believe your parents don¡¯t know where and what kind of work you are involved with, right?¡± Detective Harding asked.


    ¡°And don¡¯t you dare tell them that! My personal life has nothing to do with the case you¡¯re throwing at me?¡± Emerose replied arrogantly. The detective couldn¡¯t do anything and nodded to the officer standing by the door. ¡°Take her to the holding cell. We¡¯ll continue this conversationter.¡±


    Emerose saw her parents standing in the hallway, their faces a mixture of disbelief and fear, as they led her out of the interrogation room. ¡°Emerose,¡± her mother whispered, tears streaming down her face. ¡°What have you done?¡± Eldest Morgan¡¯s heart ached with a mixture of guilt and defiance.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, Mom,¡± she said, her voice cracking. ¡°I¡¯m innocent.¡±


    As they led her down a long corridor, Emerose¡¯s mind raced. She had to think of a way out of this mess. She had to find a way to protect herself and keep her secret life hidden from her parents. She was sure they would disown her if they found out about her job.


    Locked into the holding cell, the cold metal bars nged shut behind her, causing her mind to swirl with fear and anger. She cursed Hubert again for being such an idiot and got caught. She warned him about Jace¡¯s connection and status, so he had to be careful. She was angry at Emerald because she had escaped.

 Chapter 72

    ¡°Make sure that woman will rot in jail!¡± Jessica told her son angrily, who nodded his head. Because it was the weekend, Jace and his family went to the old Higginson mansion to visit his parents, who missed Ace so much. ¡°Why don¡¯t you let our grandson stay here and let us care for him while you handle the case?¡± she added.


    ¡°Mom, we can¡¯t do that. He has his grandfather and great-grandfather who wanted to be with him as well. Another thing, I can¡¯t afford not to see and y with him for a day; how much more, Emerald?¡± Young Higginson replied, knowing his wife would never agree with his mother¡¯s request.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear, I didn¡¯t think about that. I should have known because I also didn¡¯t want to be away from my sons when they were Ace¡¯s age.¡± Jessica said, looking at Emerald apologetically.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mom. I understand how much you wanted to be with Ace as well. I¡¯m the one who should be sorry since I can¡¯t grant you your request.¡± Emerald replied in a low voice. She didn¡¯t want to disappoint her inws but didn¡¯t want to be away with her son. ¡°But I promise to bring him here more often, especially when we find my mother and everything¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°I understand, dear; just focus on what you must do. Just know that if there¡¯s anything we can help you with, don¡¯t hesitate to tell us, okay?¡± Jessica replied.


    ¡°Yes, Mom, thank you so much. I appreciate your concern for me and my family.¡±


    ¡°We are family, Emerald, don¡¯t forget that.¡± Nick chimed in, smiling, to which young Morgan and Jace nodded and smiled.


    The old Higginson couple was very happy that Jace and Emerald had gone back together. Seeing how much they love each other, they thought their separation helped their rtionship grow somehow. They became more mature and noticed how much they treasured every minute they spent together.


    The day had passed, and the family had been very happy, especially Ace, who enjoyed ying with his cousin. Jack and Jace were very happy as well, and Emerald and Eunice managed to talk to each other along with Jessica.


    Emerald was surprised to learn how her sister-inw and Jack ended up together, and Jessicaughed at it. She said she never thought that after what happened, her eldest son would want to get cured, so she was very thankful to her daughter-inw.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think he would let me in his life as well,¡± Eunice said shyly.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he learned to love you,¡± Jessica replied.


    ¡°Did Jace really offer you money if you ever let Jack get his surgery done?¡± Emerald asked in disbelief.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how much he cared for his brother. That¡¯s why I felt sorry towards you when we found out what he did.¡± Eunice replied hesitantly. She knew everything was in the past, but she couldn¡¯t help but admire the love between young Morgan and Jace.


    ¡°And he said he already loved me the first time he saw me,¡± Little Morgan said, rolling her eyes, making the two womenugh with finesse.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Ace shouted, running their way.


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart? Where¡¯s your cousin?¡± asked Emerald, her eyes behind the boy searching for his young cousin.


    ¡°She¡¯s with Uncle Jack. She said she wanted to be carried, and I can¡¯t do that for her. So I want to grow up to fully take care of Allison.¡± Ace replied.


    ¡°Oh, my dear boy,¡± Jessica said happily while Emerald and Eunice smiled. They were very happy to hear the boy¡¯s love for his cousin.


    ***


    Another week passed, and Emerald was working in her office in ACEGame. She had her bodyguards because Jace didn¡¯t want her to return to work if she didn¡¯t agree, so she had no choice, even if she didn¡¯t like the idea. The fear that Hubert gave her was engraved in her mind, so as much as possible, she also wanted to keep herself safe at all times.


    She kept herself busy when Creep came in, followed by Emerson. ¡°Emerald, let your sister go at once!¡± hemanded, which young Morgan didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°You cannot tell me what to do, Emerson.¡±


    Old Morgan¡¯s eyes widened after he heard Emerald. He never thought that a time when she wouldn¡¯t respect him woulde. ¡°She¡¯s your sister, and we should be talking about whatever issues we had as a family!¡± Emerson insisted, making Emeraldugh loud.


    ¡°What family are you talking about? I was never part of your family! None of you treated me as a family!¡± young Morgan shouted back. ¡°If you have nothing to say, you can leave,¡± she added, dismissing him.


    ¡°How dare you talk to your father that way! You are insolent! You don¡¯t belong in our family!¡±


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t belong in your family because you are all wicked, greedy, and assholes! Now, if you didn¡¯t want me to ask the security to throw you out of my building, you better leave.¡± Emerald replied angrily. She thought that Emerson was so thick-skinned as to tell her how unworthy she was when, in fact, they were the ones who were not worthy to be called her family.


    With nothing to do, Emerson started walking out of her office. Still, Emerald called him when he was at the door, ¡°Make sure that you and Merly have nothing to do with my nanny¡¯s disappearance, or I will do everything to make you rot in jail like your bitchy daughter Emerose.¡± Old Morgan red at Emerald and started to realize that she had not given up on the search for Lucy. Her words worried him, so he decided to transfer her as soon as possible.


    On his way home, Emerson called the man in charge of the mansion where he was hiding Lucy and Dr. Sanders. There was no ce avable for their transfer, so he asked the man to bring them to the Red House first and called Madam Z to arrange a room.


    ¡°But boss, you know that we have a lot of customers, and we alreadyck avable rooms.¡± Madam Z said, refusing the idea.


    ¡°You do what I say, or I rip you off your position,¡± Emerson warned before he ended the call. Madam Z, who couldn¡¯t do anything and had no power in their business, agreed forcefully. She started to call their utility and asked her to start cleaning the room on the far right on the top floor of the Red House. She hates it whenever Emerson acts so high and mighty, even though he was the one who funded their business because she was the one who worked hard to grow it.


    She was the first entertainer in the business. She attended to all of its customers from when they started until they could hire new and fresh talents. She also innovated it and had male entertainers, old women, and gay customers increase. Madam Z had been thinking of making an expansion of the Red House when Emerson called her, making her so pissed.


    Meanwhile, in the mansion where Dr. Sanders and Lucy were, the doctor asked, ¡°Where are you taking us? Does Mr. Morgan know about this?¡± He was getting worried because he had sent a message to Emerald, hoping for their rescue.


    ¡°Boss said to transfer you,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°What about Ms. Lucy? It won¡¯t be good for her condition if we travel her now.¡± Dr. Sanders insisted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have an ambnce ready for her. We will all leave the ce, so you better take everything that Ms. Lucy will need, or you¡¯re dead if you leave something behind,¡± the man replied with a stoic face. After hearing the word ambnce, Dr. Sanders started to worry and hoped that nurses would be avable or they would get caught. Lucy had been awake, and they had been talking; she, too, was hopeful that Emerald would be able to find her as well.


    Dr. Sanders thought about what he would do. He didn¡¯t want his efforts to go to waste. He was sure that help would be on their way, but it was toote, and he wanted them to continue their search. Something came to his mind as he started gathering Lucy¡¯s medical needs.


    ¡°Okay, get in,¡± the man replied. Dr. Sanders looked inside the ambnce and sighed in relief when he found no one. He got in and helped the man bring the hospital bed where Lucy was in the ambnce. They were the only ones, so he calmed himself. After the door closed, he heard the man tap the ambnce before he shouted to go.


    On their way, the doctor started thinking about where they were heading and how he could inform Emerald. He had endured a lot just to send a single message, and it would be more difficult now that they had changed their location.


    When they finally got out of the ambnce, the doctor looked around. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Nothing, I just had to stretch my back and neck,¡± he alibied. He knew he had to be careful if he wanted to stay alive or escape the situation with Lucy. Then they started walking inside the building and realized they were using the back door. He tried to remember every road they took, and he was sure they were in another city.


    He followed the men and pushed Lucy¡¯s bed. He felt lucky that Emerson didn¡¯t install CCTV in the old mansion. But now, he had to be careful before making a move. He had to study the ce and the room to ensure he wasn¡¯tpromising Lucy and his safety when he tried to reach out to Emerald again.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 73

    ¡°How about the other properties? Do they really have nothing left after I took the grocery?¡± asked Emerald. She was in the meeting room of the ACEGame building with Creep and Daryl, talking about the assets that the Morgans left with after losing the Family Grocer to her.


    ¡°I made an initial investigation to know if they will be capable of getting up,¡± Daryl replied,


    ¡°And?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°With the information I¡¯ve gathered, I don¡¯t think they will still have a chance to recover without anyone helping them.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say so?¡±


    ¡°As you already know, they are now living in a rented apartment, and ording to their neighbors, they frequently heard Mr. and Mrs. Morgan fighting over daily expenses. Their financial situation seems to be dire.¡± Daryl answered, but Emerald couldn¡¯t help but feel worried. She¡¯s not that bad to wish the worst for the family she grew up with, but she also doesn¡¯t want to put her family at risk because of them.


    Emerald¡¯s heart tightened. The Morgans had been a thorn in her side for years, and the recent event where Emerose had kidnapped her. The thought of their downfall should have brought her some sense of satisfaction. Instead, it left her feeling uneasy. Despite everything, she didn¡¯t wish ill on them, but she couldn¡¯t ignore the threat they posed to her family.


    Creep, her tech-savvy friend who had helped her numerous times, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. ¡°Emerose is still in jail, right?¡± he asked, his eyes narrowing.


    Daryl nodded. ¡°Yes, she is. Morgan¡¯s financial instability, however, could make them desperate. We need to be cautious.¡±


    Emerald sighed, rubbing her temples. ¡°I don¡¯t wish for the worst to happen to them, but I can¡¯t help but feel scared for my family¡¯s safety. Jace, Ace, and I finally have some peace. I don¡¯t want that disrupted.¡±


    Creep straightened up, his expression serious. ¡°We need to be vignt, M. The Morgans might see their situation as a reason to target you again, especially when you¡¯re responsible for their downfall.¡±


    Young Morgan¡¯s eyes hardened. ¡°I have no intention of helping them financially. Not after everything they¡¯ve done. And I still can¡¯t shake the feeling that they were behind my Mom¡¯s disappearance five years ago.¡±


    Daryl nodded. ¡°Your suspicions are valid, M. We must protect your assets and ensure your family¡¯s safety. We can tighten security measures at your home and the office. Well, Mr. Higginson has been doing a really good job by giving you and Ace your own bodyguards.¡±


    Her thoughts drifted back to when she took over Morgan¡¯s family grocery store business. Elise had tried to run it with integrity and care, hoping to salvage something beneficial from their created mess. But the Morgans had never epted her presence, always seeing her as an intruder. She nced at a photo on her desk-one of her, Jace, and Ace smiling together at the park. It was a rare moment of unguarded happiness, a reminder of what she had fought to protect. She couldn¡¯t allow the Morgans to threaten.


    ¡°I agree,¡± she said, her voice firm. ¡°We need to increase security and closely monitor the Morgans. I won¡¯t let them disrupt our lives again.¡±


    Creep nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll start improving the home and office security systems.¡± We¡¯ll also set up surveince to monitor any unusual activity around the Morgans¡¯ property.¡±


    Daryl added, ¡°And I¡¯ll continue to gather information on their financial status and any potential moves they might make. We¡¯ll be prepared for anything.¡±


    Emerald took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. ¡°Thank you, both of you. This isn¡¯t just about me-it¡¯s also about protecting Ace and Jace; we can¡¯t let our guard down.¡±


    Creep gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°We¡¯ve got your back, M. We¡¯ll do everything possible to keep you and your family safe,¡± he replied. Being friends with Emerald over the years, he and his wife Elise grew fond of her and Ace. They treated each other as family, including Daryl and nanny Keng. Emerald nodded, feeling more at ease with her friends by her side.


    ***


    Jace¡¯s office at the SoftWare Group building was a stark contrast to the chaos that had surrounded him recently. The minimalist design and soft lighting created a calm atmosphere, but his mind was anything but at ease. Across from him sat Liam, Emerald¡¯s friend and, until recently, more than just a friend. Though they tried to act professionally, their tension was palpable.


    Young Higginson cleared his throat, focusing on the task at hand. ¡°Liam, I appreciate youing here. We need to figure this out quickly. We must locate the device Dr. Sanders used to message Emerald¡¯s previousndlord in Italy. It might contain clues about where they¡¯re keeping Dr. Sanders and Lucy.¡±


    Liam nodded, leaning forward, his expression serious. ¡°Where do you think it is?¡± After learning about Emerald¡¯s biological father and grandfather, he thought he could do nothing for her. They have all the resources they need to find Ember, but knowing he could still do something for the woman he loves gives him so much happiness.


    While Jace was pulling up a map on his tablet and zooming in on a specific location, Liam watched him. He was slightly startled when young Higginson suddenly spoke. ¡°ording to our intelligence, where I gave the coordinates you sent me, the device wasst traced to an old mansion on the next city¡¯s outskirts. It¡¯s a bit run-down, but it¡¯s still possible to live in. We need to get in there and see what we can find.¡± Liam studied the map, then looked up at Jace.


    ¡°We should go tonight. The longer we wait, the colder the trail gets,¡± Liam suggested, to which Jace quickly agreed.


    ¡°We need to tell the others just to be safe. We don¡¯t know what we might find there, so it¡¯s safe to be with the authorities. I didn¡¯t want my wife to worry about me or you because that¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen if ever she finds out that we leave by ourselves,¡± young Higginson said, and Liam understood. He also knew what kind of person Emerald was, and he, too, didn¡¯t want her to worry about him, especially her husband.


    As Jace began making calls, Liam looked around the office. It was difficult to ignore the pang of jealousy when he thought about Jace and Emerald together. He admits that he is already looking forward to the time when they will be a family and doesn¡¯t expect Jace to take the woman he loves back. He was already used to Ace calling him Dad. Now that young Higginson is around, the boy has already called someone ¡°Dad¡± permanently, who was also his real father. He knew he couldn¡¯t do anything but ept their rtionship had ended; still seeing Jace back in her life, especially with Ace, stirred upplicated feelings.


    Young Higginson finished his call and looked at Liam. ¡°Everything¡¯s set. We¡¯ll have a clear route to the mansion. But I need to make something clear.¡± He hesitated, then continued, his voice firm but not hostile. Liam nodded, motioning him to continue. ¡°Emerald and I are trying to rebuild our family. I know you were close, and I respect that, but we must keep things professional now.¡±


    Liam nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. ¡°I understand, Jace. I care about Emerald and Ace. I just want them to be safe.¡± Jace softened slightly.


    ¡°Thank you, now I can feel at ease.¡± Yes, Jace always feels threatened by Liam¡¯s presence. Even though Emerald has already given him herself again and assured him that they were only friends, he still worries that young Morgan might leave him for the man.


    Hourster, they were on their way to the warehouse with the detectives they hired and the police. The drive was tense but focused, both men aware of the stakes. The ce was, as Jace had described when they arrived, run-down and seemingly abandoned.


    They entered cautiously, shlights cutting through the dimness. The mansion was filled with old furniture and appliances, but they pressed on, searching for any sign of the device.


    They checked every room and every corner until they reached the room where Lucy had previously settled. ¡°I think Ms. Ember has been here; look, there are medical supplies left.¡± Jace¡¯s private investigator, Ronnie, said, pointing at the used oxygen tanks sitting on the corner.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right.¡± Liam agreed after he opened a cab filled with cotton, syringes, and other medicines in boxes.


    ¡°Sir,¡± the police said, looking at Jace. ¡°There¡¯s a working telephone line in a mini office along the corridor.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Please check if Dr. Sanders used that when contacting my wife¡¯s previousndlord. Get all the fingerprints, and let¡¯s see if it also matches him or anyone from the Morgans.¡± Jace replied while Liam continued to check the surrounding area until he was in the corner near the window. He decided to look out and see if he could find anything.


    The window has grills, and there are nts on either side. Liam was about to give up when his eyes caught something. It was a crumpled paper, and he still took it even if he wanted to ignore it, thinking it was just trash. Having a paper in a room where a patient was staying is very umon. What do they need paper for there?


    ¡°Jace, look at this,¡± Liam called out, handing the paper to him. Young Higginson took it and quickly scanned the hastily written message.


    ¡°They left the mansion three days ago at four in the afternoon,¡± Jace said after reading the note. He felt a surge of urgency. ¡°This is it. They¡¯ve moved, but this gives us a timeframe. We can track their movements from here.¡±


    Liam nodded, adrenaline pumping through him. ¡°We need to get this information to Emerald and Creep. They can help us trace where they went next.¡±


    Jace folded the note carefully, slipping it into his jacket pocket. ¡°Let¡¯s get back and regroup. We¡¯re not far behind them.¡±


    As they left the mansion, Jace couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of hope and determination. They were getting closer, and with every step, they were one step closer to finding Dr. Sanders and Ember and ensuring the safety of their family.

 Chapter 74

    As Jace and Liam stood inside the opulent but eerily quiet mansion, they could feel the weight of anticipation hanging in the air. Their team-private detectives and police officers-wasbing through the sprawling rooms and corridors, searching for any clue that could lead them to Dr. Sanders and Lucy.


    Jace held his phone tightly, waiting for Emerald to pick up on the other end. When she finally answered, her voice echoed with concern. ¡°Hi, dear wife.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Emerald replied.


    ¡°You see, Liam and I are on the outskirts of the city next to ours with the detectives and the police.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? What are you doing there?¡± Emerald asked continuously, worried. ¡°Are you alright?¡± she added.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine, we¡¯re fine. But the thing is, we tried to locate the location of the device Dr. Sanders used in contacting yourndlord. And we think we found it.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then, did you find Dr. Sanders and Mom? Jace, what did you find?¡± Emerald¡¯s voice trembled with a mixture of fear and hope.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°No, not yet. But we found something and think Dr. Sanders left this for us. It¡¯s a note saying they had left this mansion about three days ago at 4 in the afternoon in an ambnce.¡± Jace replied, his tone urgent yet controlled.


    Emerald gasped. ¡°An ambnce? But where did they go? Why is there an ambnce?¡± she asked continuously, worry evident.


    Jace nced around at the detectives, who were still meticulously searching the mansion. ¡°We¡¯re not sure yet, but we need Creep¡¯s help. Can you ask him to use the mansion as the starting point to locate any recent activity rted to Dr. Sanders or Lucy? The police are also working on it, but I think Creep would do it quickly.¡±


    Emerald nodded even though he couldn¡¯t see her. ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯ll tell him right away,¡± young Morgan replied, her mind racing.


    ¡°Good,¡± Jace said, his voice tight with determination. ¡°We need to find them, Emerald. We¡¯re close.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Jace; I¡¯ll call you again when Creep is ready.¡±


    Meanwhile, at ACEGame, Creep was hunched over hisputer, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he essed various databases and surveince feeds. Emerald paced anxiously nearby, rying the information from Jace.


    ¡°Creep, we need to trace any recent movements from the mansion,¡± Emerald said urgently into her phone. ¡°Can you do that?¡± her friend nodded, eyes scanning the screen.


    ¡°I¡¯m on it, Emerald. Give me a moment.¡±


    Minutes passed like hours as Creep cross-referenced data, searching for any sign of an ambnce leaving the mansion three days ago. Finally, a ping on his screen caught his attention-a record of an ambnce leaving the mansion precisely at 4 PM three days ago, heading towards a location in their city.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something,¡± Creep said, his voice tense with excitement. ¡°The ambnce was tracked to an establishment called the Red House..¡±


    ¡°The Red House? Why would Dr. Sanders and Lucy be there?¡± Emerald asked, confused.


    Creep hesitated, his fingers still flying across the keyboard. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but it¡¯s our best lead. I¡¯ll keep digging and see if I can find anything else.¡±


    ¡°Please do,¡± Emerald said, her voice wavering with fear and determination. ¡°I¡¯ll call Jace.¡±


    As Creep continued his search, Emerald leaned against the desk, her thoughts juggling before she dialed Jace¡¯s number, praying they would find Dr. Sanders and Lucy there, safe and unharmed. For now, it was their only hope.


    ¡°Yes, dear wife,¡± Jace said as he answered the call.


    ¡°Jace, Creep said he tracked the location leading to an establishment named Red House.¡±


    ¡°ording to the police, isn¡¯t that where Emerose was working?¡± young Higginson asked, confused.


    Emerald suddenly remembered the matter and couldn¡¯t fathom why Dr. Sanders was there, given that Emerose had no connection to that establishment apart from being an entertainer. ¡°Do you think she has something to do with this?¡± young Morgan still couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. She¡¯s in jail now and cannot support your mother¡¯s medical needs if that¡¯s the case,¡± Jace answered.


    ¡°What do you mean by medical needs? Did something happen to my mom?¡± Emerald asked anxiously as fear started to take hold of her again. She wanted to see and be with Ember, so she wanted to be sure she was alright.


    ¡°Based on the condition of the room where we found Dr. Sanders¡¯ note, we believe your mom is not in a good state but is being cared for. I think Dr. Sanders¡¯ role here is to take care of her. Whoever took your mom, I believe, didn¡¯t do it to harm her.¡± Emerald breathed a sigh of relief after Jace spoke. Knowing that someone was taking care of and providing for her mother¡¯s medical needs was enough to ease her mind a bit.


    Meanwhile, while Jace talked to Emerald, he faced Liam, who immediately informed the police officers of what young Morgan had said. The officers acted quickly and prepared to go to the Red House.


    Jace and Liam got into the car, and thetter drove since the couple was still talking on the phone. Emerald didn¡¯t want her husband to end the call, so young Higginson took the opportunity to share his opinion on the matter.


    ¡°I doubt Emerose has anything to do with it, dear wife.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, because of mom¡¯s medical needs?¡± Emerald asked.


    ¡°We both know Emerose is mad at you and even more so at your mom because she rushed to your office thinking you were Emerson¡¯s bastard with your mom. So I¡¯m sure she wouldn¡¯t want Ms. Ember to live.¡± Jace exined. Emerald fell silent on the other line, trying to process all the possibilities of what her husband said.


    ¡°I agree with Jace,¡± Liam suddenly said. ¡°It¡¯s not Emerose¡¯s type to keep your mom alive, M. Remember, she managed to have you kidnapped just recently. And Hubert told you she was behind it because she wanted you out of her way.¡±


    ¡°Dear wife, don¡¯t worry, we will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who took your mom. And we will do everything to ensure her safety and Dr. Sanders¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, Jace. Please be careful and tell Liam to keep safe as well.¡±


    ¡°Will do, dear wife,¡± Jace replied before ending their conversation. He knew his wife was very worried, so he wanted everything happening in their lives, causing her sadness to end as soon as possible. He wanted them to find Ember so his wife could finally be happy and whoever was responsible for her disappearance could be punished for their ultimate peace of mind. Since they were on the outskirts, going to the next city would be a long drive, but Jace remained alert.


    Emerald, still in her office, was currently facing Creep. She had sent Daryl home to look after Ace, but aside from that, her father called to inform her that Jace had sent him to their house to look after the child with Mr. Ferguson.


    She was very grateful to have a father and grandfather willing to support and help her, especially since she also needed to support her husband, who was doing everything to find her mother.


    ¡°M,¡± Creep called, causing her to look at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we will find your mom.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, Creep. You¡¯ve helped me a lot since then until now.¡±


    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you that you helped Elise and me, allowing us to live a safe and peaceful life?¡±


    ¡°Even so, you have yed a significant role in who I am today. And I will never forget that.¡± Creep didn¡¯t say anything further because he knew it would be pointless. Whenever they had a serious conversation, Emerald couldn¡¯t help but mention their past and how they started.


    Jace and Liam had just arrived at the Red House and found several police cars parked outside. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why haven¡¯t you moved to enter the ce?¡± young Higginson asked in surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple, Jace,¡± Liam replied, causing the former to frown.


    ¡°Mr. Higginson, I¡¯m sorry, but we can¡¯t just enter and search the premises.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°We need a warrant first to make our raid on the Red House legal.¡±


    ¡°Shit! So we can¡¯t do anything now but hang around here?¡± young Higginson asked irritably.


    ¡°Rx, Jace, losing your temper won¡¯t help,¡± Liam tried to calm him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± an older woman angrily asked as she approached them. ¡°You¡¯re disturbing our business. Instead of customersing in, they won¡¯t because you¡¯re blocking the entrance.¡± The woman was furious, her eyes ring because of the inconvenience caused by the police cars with them.


    ¡°We learned that a patient and a doctor were brought to that building, so we want to check and confirm,¡± Jace spoke, causing the woman to look at him mockingly.


    ¡°You¡¯re at the wrong ce, handsome. Shouldn¡¯t you be checking the hospital if it¡¯s a patient and a doctor? Do you even know what kind of business we have here?¡± the woman, known as Madam Z, asked haughtily.


    ¡°We just want to check the premises. I¡¯m sure you can amodate us in that regard.¡± Jace didn¡¯t give up, hoping to persuade the woman.


    ¡°If you want to check inside, bring me the warrant. We¡¯re not fools here who will tremble and be scared just because you¡¯re with some police officers. Our business is legal, and we have a permit, giving us the right toin about your harassment,¡± Madam Z said. ¡°Now, if you have nothing more to say, leave because you¡¯re ruining our business.¡±


    Jace was about to speak, but Liam stopped him, noticing that Ronnie and Cedrick had already entered the Red House. They just needed to wait and believed those two knew what to do.


    The police officers left one by one but stayed nearby so they could respond quickly if anything happened. Jace and Liam remained parked in front of the Red House as a diversion for the two private detectives inside.


    ¡°Why did Dr. Sanders didn¡¯t just say who took them? It would have been easy if he dropped a name,¡± Jace said frustratedly.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what really happened to them, Jace, so we can¡¯t me him. For all we know, he¡¯s in a tight situation and barely left us that note,¡± Liam replied as they started to get in the car.


    ¡°I wanted to end this now, Liam. I want Emerald to find peace.¡±


    ¡°Me too, but we can¡¯t rush things. We didn¡¯t want to put Dr. Sanders¡¯ life in danger, which he already put at risk by trying to contact us.¡±


    ¡°This is all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t hurt Emerald before, we would have found her mother long ago.¡± Jace said in a low voice. ¡°I was the one who was paying for her hospital bill, and after my wife left, I went there to check but didn¡¯t find anything. I was focusing on finding my wife then, so I forgot about her mother.¡±


    After Jace said that, Liam heaved a deep sigh, knowing that young Higginson really loved Emerald. He was more than willing to let Young Higginson care for Young Morgan. ¡°Everything is going to be okay, Jace,¡± he said confidently.

 Chapter 75

    The group led by Jace stayed in ce while waiting for Detective Ronnie and Cedrick. Young Higginson didn¡¯t want to miss the unfolding events because he was eager to bring the good news to his wife. Despite his worries, he tried to remain calm, as Liam, who was with him in the car, reminded him.


    Meanwhile, inside the Red House, Detective Ronnie and Cedrick sat on a long couch facing a sizable stage. They knew what kind of establishment the Red House was and what was inside.


    A waitress approached them and offered them drinks, which they epted. Due to the nature of their work, they were used to drinking and didn¡¯t get drunk easily, so they drank while ensuring they were still doing their job.


    The two wondered why no women were dancing on stage, even though people were inside. They looked around and noticed that the customers with them didn¡¯t seem to care.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not yet time for the women to perform,¡± Cedrick said, looking at Ronnie. ¡°It happens; the women perform only at certain times. When their important customers arrive, the dancers will surely take the stage.¡±


    Ronnie nodded in agreement, as what his fellow detective said made sense. The two decided to take it easy with their drinking, not spending all their money and achieving nothing, fearing they¡¯d disappoint their bosses.


    Soon, the Red House¡¯s important customers began to arrive. They were important because they were politicians and well-known elderly businessmen in the country. The two detectives shook their heads at the realization.


    Behind them, they overheard a conversation among other customers: ¡°Madam is at the Purple House.¡± A man¡¯s voice was so familiar that they assumed it was an aide to the person he was talking to.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t care what she does,¡± said the voice of an elderly man. The detectives looked at each other, and both thought that the Purple House mentioned by the first man was simr to the Red House but with male entertainers.


    Suddenly, the surroundings dimmed before the soft lights began to flicker. Seductive music echoed along with a sliding door opening in the center of the stage. The two detectives looked up and were stunned when a woman emerged and began dancing.


    But it wasn¡¯t the woman dancing that surprised them; her see-through bra and panties didn¡¯t cover anything. ¡°I¡¯ll start the search,¡± Cedrick said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll create a diversion,¡± Ronnie replied, his eyes fixed on the dancing woman before him.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to work,¡± Cedrick reminded.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ronnie confirmed before Cedrick stood up and left him. He felt he wouldn¡¯t be noticed because everyone¡¯s eyes were glued to the woman exposing herself.


    The stage was high, so Ronnie had to look up, his eyes fixed on the woman who didn¡¯t nce at him, intentionally avoiding eye contact as she continued to dance.


    ¡°Get down here, bitch!¡± yelled the old man behind Ronnie, which he didn¡¯t like, but he calmed himself and stayed seated, thinking it wasn¡¯t time to make a scene since Cedrick had just left. Ronnie stayed in his seat, letting his eyes feast on the naked body of the woman dancing before him.


    The Red House was abyrinth of shadows and secrets, its opulent facade concealing a darker underbelly. Inside, the club was alive with pulsating music and shing lights, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the hum of whispered conversations. Jace¡¯s private detective, Ronnie, sat on a plush velvet couch, his eyes fixed on the stage where a woman danced seductively. He sipped his drink, a seemingly rxed patron, but his mind was alert, ready to create a diversion if needed.


    Across the room, the dim lighting cast long shadows, creating pockets of darkness where deals were made and secrets were whispered. The dance on stage was a distraction, a smokescreen for the activities behind closed doors. Ronnie knew this ce well, and that behind the mour was a world of illicit activities.


    Meanwhile, Cedrick moved stealthily through the corridors of the Red House. He had one goal: to find Dr. Sanders and Ember. He slipped past bouncers and patrons, blending into the background with practiced ease. His heart pounded as he approached the first door, marked only by a small brass te reading ¡°VIP Room 1.¡±


    Carefully, Cedrick turned the handle and pushed the door open a crack, peering inside. The room was dimly lit, furnished withvish, crimson decor. Arge bed dominated the space, draped in silks and satins. On it, a well-dressed man lounged with a young woman, their conversation intimate. Cedrick quickly shut the door, his pulse quickening. This was not the room he was looking for.


    He moved to the next door,beled ¡°VIP Room 2.¡± Opening it slightly, he saw another simr setup: a plush seating area with a private bar where two men negotiated something over a ss of whiskey. At the same time, a scantily d woman sat on one of theirps, giggling. Cedrick closed the door silently and continued down the hall.


    Each room he checked told a simr story. ¡°VIP Room 3¡± contained a middle-aged man receiving a massage from a young woman in a revealing outfit. ¡°VIP Room 4¡± was upied by a group of businessmen engaged in a hushed conversation, interrupted by the asionalughter of the women around them.


    As Cedrick reached ¡°VIP Room 5,¡± he took a deep breath and opened the door slightly. Inside, he saw a room designed for more specific entertainment. The walls were lined with mirrors, and a pole stood in the center. A woman performed for a lone man sitting in a leather chair, a look of satisfaction on his face. Cedrick shut the door quietly, feeling the weight of his mission pressing down on him.


    He continued down the corridor, past rooms marked with more anonymous brass tes: ¡°VIP Room 6,¡± ¡°VIP Room 7,¡± and so on. Each room he checked revealed more of the same  high-paying clients indulging in private fantasies, unaware or indifferent to the world outside.


    As Cedrick moved further into the depths of the Red House, he felt a growing sense of urgency. Time was slipping away, and he had not found any sign of Dr. Sanders or Ember. He knew he couldn¡¯t search every room without raising suspicion, but he had to be thorough. Every door he opened, every room he peered into, brought him one step closer to either finding them or being discovered himself.


    Returning to the main corridor, Cedrick paused to collect his thoughts. He knew he had to remain calm and focused. Dr. Sanders and Ember had to be here somewhere, and he was determined to find them. He nced back towards the club area, where Ronnie was still seated, a silent sentinel ready to act if necessary.


    Cedrick continued his search, his senses heightened, moving further down the corridor. The sounds of the club faded into the background as he ventured deeper into thebyrinthine structure. He approached another door, which was marked ¡°VIP Lounge,¡± and cautiously opened it. Inside, he found a slightly different room  a more sophisticated setting with luxurious couches and a grand piano in the corner. A couple sat on one of the couches, engaged in a private conversation, oblivious to his presence.


    Shutting the door, Cedrick moved on, his frustration mounting. He had to stay sharp and keep looking. He knew that Dr. Sanders and Ember were hidden somewhere within its walls. He just had to find the right door.


    Cedrick continued his search, each step deliberate and silent. The corridor stretched ahead, an endless series of doors and secrets. As he moved, he noticed something peculiar-no CCTV cameras were in the area. Given the nature of the Red House, Cedrick was certain that surveince existed but was hidden, perhaps embedded discreetly within the ornate decor or behind the elegant wall fixtures. This realization made him even more cautious. He had to tread carefully, knowing that eyes could be on him at any moment.


    He reached a staircase at the end of the corridor and ascended to the top floor, each step creaking softly under his weight. This floor was quieter, more secluded. The ambiance changed slightly; it was more refined, with plush carpets and dim, ambient lighting. Cedrick knew this floor was likely reserved for the most exclusive guests who valued their privacy above all else.


    Cedrick began his methodical search again, checking each room with the same careful precision. He opened the door to find avish suite with a king-sized bed and a private jacuzzi, but it was empty. Another room revealed a small, private bar with a view of the city, also unupied. His frustration grew with each door he opened, but he couldn¡¯t afford to give up.


    As he moved further down the corridor, he heard voices. They were faint at first but grew louder, indicating someone was approaching. Cedrick¡¯s heart raced. He quickly scanned the area, looking for a ce to hide. He noticed a small alcove just ahead, partially concealed by arge potted nt. Without wasting a moment, he slipped into the alcove, pressing himself against the wall and praying that he wouldn¡¯t be seen.


    The voices grew clearer as they approached. Two men, engaged in a low conversation, walked past Cedrick¡¯s hiding spot. He could make out snippets of their dialogue.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe they managed to transfer them in time,¡± one man said, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°I know, but the man Hubert rmended has everything under control,¡± the other replied, sounding confident.


    Cedrick¡¯s pulse quickened. They were talking about the transfer. He remained perfectly still, barely daring to breathe. The men continued down the corridor, their voices fading as they rounded a corner.


    Once the coast was clear, Cedrick carefully stepped out of the alcove, his mind racing with the new information. He had to find a way to signal Ronnie or create a distraction without drawing too much attention to himself. Every second counted, and he knew Dr. Sanders and Ember¡¯s lives might be in danger.


    He moved further down the corridor, more cautious than ever. He approached a door at the end, its frame more ornate than the others. He pressed his ear to the door, listening for sounds from within. Hearing none, he carefully turned the handle and pushed the door open just a crack.


    The room was dimly lit and filled with elegant furniture and luxurious drapery. It seemed empty, but Cedrick knew better than to trust appearances. He slipped inside, closed the door quietly behind him, and searched the room thoroughly. He meticulously inspected every drawer, cupboard, and hidden nook.


    As he moved towards the back of the room, he noticed a slight drafting from behind arge, ornate bookshelf. He carefully examined it and found a hiddentch. His heart pounded as he pulled thetch, and the bookshelf swung open, revealing a narrow staircase leading downward.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Cedrick knew he had to proceed, but he also needed to let Ronnie know about this hidden area. He took out his phone and sent a quick, coded message to Ronnie, indicating that he might have found something significant.


    With a deep breath, Cedrick started down the narrow staircase, his senses alert. Each step took him closer to the unknown, but he was determined to find Dr. Sanders and Ember. He just hoped he could do so before it was toote.

 Chapter 76

    Cedrick continues going down the narrow, dimly lit stairs behind the old bookshelf. Each step creaked softly beneath his weight, echoing in the tight space. He held his breath, hoping no one above could hear him. The air grew colder as he went further down. He felt relieved that he had managed to send Ronnie a message and hoped he would also start informing the others.


    At the bottom, Cedrick pushed open a heavy wooden door and stepped into a room that made him pause. The ce had been transformed into something that looked like a hospital room. The center has white walls, medical equipment, and a single hospital bed. On that bedy Ember, unconscious and pale. He walked slowly to her side, his heart pounding. He reached out a hand to check her pulse, but a voice stopped him. ¡°Who are you?¡± The voice was shaky, full of fear.


    Cedrick turned quickly to see a man in his white polo and ck pants standing near a table covered in medical tools. The man¡¯s eyes were wide with panic, and he noticed that he was beaten up.


    ¡°I¡¯m Cedrick,¡± he said softly, raising his hands to show he meant no harm. Seeing how fearful-looking the man was, he assumed he was Dr. Sanders. ¡°I¡¯m a private investigator. I work for Mr. Landers. I¡¯m here to help.¡±


    The doctor hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. ¡°Help? Who¡¯s Mr. Landers?¡± he echoed, confused and still scared. He didn¡¯t want to trust the man anymore because, just the other day, someone also came into the room, telling him he would help him and Ember escape. He agreed, only to find out that it was a trap. Emerson tests whether he would betray him if given a chance, and that incident makes Mr. Morgan so angry that he wants to kill the doctor if not for Ember, who needs him.


    ¡°Yes, help,¡± Cedrick assured him. ¡°I know this looks bad, but I¡¯m here to get Ember out. To stop whatever the person who took her is doing.¡±


    ¡°Are you nuts? We won¡¯t be able to escape from here. I don¡¯t even know where we are!¡± the doctor eximed. ¡°And don¡¯t you know who took her yet?¡±


    ¡°No, you tell me. We found your note in the house where you left off, and I know exactly where we are.¡± The investigator said confidently.


    ¡°It was Mr. Morgan. Apparently, he was so in love with Lucy,¡± Dr. Sanders said, and Cedrick¡¯s eyes widened. Then he took out his phone, trying to connect to Ronnie.


    ¡°There¡¯s no signal here. I¡¯ve tried many times but failed.¡± Dr. Sanders said, realizing what the man before him was doing. ¡°It¡¯s also the reason why there¡¯s no surveince camera here. They are confident that I won¡¯t be able to call anyone no matter what.¡±


    ¡°No matter what, I already informed another investigator about where I was. I¡¯m sure he would tell everyone about it.¡±


    Dr. Sanders¡¯ expression softened a little, his eyes showing a glimmer of hope. ¡°But¡­ one of Mr. Morgan¡¯s men will be back soon,¡± he whispered, ncing at the door nervously.


    Cedrick¡¯s heart raced as he heard footsteps approaching. He quickly ducked behind arge table, pressing himself against the cold wall. He peered out just enough to see a tall, muscr man enter the room, carrying a food tray.


    The man had a scar running down his cheek and cold, dark eyes that seemed to pierce through everything he looked at. His presence filled the room with a sense of danger. Dr. Sanders stiffened, his face turning pale.


    ¡°Hey, doc,¡± the man growled, setting the tray on a nearby table. ¡°Food.¡±


    Dr. Sanders forced a smile, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, ncing nervously at Cedrick¡¯s hiding spot. ¡°Do you know when Mr. Morgan will visit Ms. Lucy?¡±


    The man¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Why do you care?¡± he snapped. ¡°Just do your job and keep quiet.¡± He stepped closer to Dr. Sanders, his eyes narrowing.


    Dr. Sanders swallowed hard, trying to keep the man¡¯s attention. ¡°I just¡­ I just want to make sure everything is ready. Ms. Lucy needs a lot for her medication, and none of the medicines here are good for her,¡± he stammered.


    The man red at him, then suddenly shoved Dr. Sanders hard. The doctor stumbled back and fell to the floor with a cry of pain. Cedrick¡¯s fists clenched, but he stayed hidden, knowing it wasn¡¯t the right moment to act.


    The man sneered down at Dr. Sanders. ¡°Mind your own business. The boss had not given any orders, so make use of everything avable,¡± he spat. He turned and began to walk out of the room, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silence.


    Cedrick waited, his breath held, as the door closed behind the man. He emerged from his hiding spot and rushed to Dr. Sanders¡¯ side. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he whispered.


    Dr. Sanders nodded shakily, his eyes filled with fear and relief. ¡°Yes,¡± he whispered back. ¡°But we need to hurry; I don¡¯t have enough Diprivan to keep Ms. Lucy asleep whenever necessary. And she should have all the nutrition she needs to get better.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Cedrick asked curiously.


    ¡°She has woken up, but I need to put her to sleep so I can still tend to her and keep her safe from Mr. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t the old man know about it?¡±


    ¡°I kept it from him. I knew how much he wanted Ms. Lucy to wake up, and once she did, he would surely take me out of the picture,¡± Cedrick thought for a while. He understands why Dr. Sanders did it, but he starts to worry for Ember because of her continuous intake of the medicine that her body doesn¡¯t necessarily need.


    Meanwhile, Ronnie was still on the couch when Cedrick left. The old man who was shouting earlier was still doing the same. He was so annoyed that he wanted to pulverize him along with the other old men who were now doing the same. But he calmed himself because he didn¡¯t want their mission to fail. He wanted to ensure that he and Cedrick could find out whether Ember and Dr. Sanders were still in there.


    Many minutes passed, and Ronnie wondered what Cedrick was doing or whether he had found something to lead them to their mission. He was about to get his drink when his phone buzzed with Cedrick¡¯s message. He quickly read it, then slipped his phone back into his pocket. He needed to find Jace and tell him what was happening. He turned to leave, but arge bouncer stepped in his way.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± the bouncer asked, his voice deep and rough. Ronnie felt a surge of worry but took a deep breath to calm himself.


    ¡°Just need to step outside for a bit,¡± Ronnie said, forcing a smile. The bouncer frowned, eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Why so sudden?¡± the bouncer asked again. ¡°You¡¯re a new customer, so I¡¯ve been watching you.¡± He held out a hand. ¡°Give me your phone.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Ronnie hesitated but knew he had no choice. He handed over his phone, heart pounding. The bouncer started scrolling through his messages. Ronnie watched, trying to look rxed. Although he was confident that the man wouldn¡¯t be able to get anything, he couldn¡¯t shake off the truth that the bouncer had his eyes on him. If he did, he would know that he came with Cedrick, and he didn¡¯t know what he would answer that would not make him suspicious.


    The bouncer¡¯s face was stern as he read. Most of the messages were from Ronnie¡¯s wife. The bouncer¡¯s eyes softened a bit when he reached thest message.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you went to a nightclub and spent money on a woman to take her into a room. Life has been hard, so I set it even though I love books. And yet you hide those things from me!¡± the text said.


    The bouncer snorted and handed the phone back to Ronnie. ¡°Wife trouble, huh?¡± he said with a smirk.


    Ronnie nodded, relieved. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s really mad. I better calm her down since I didn¡¯t want her to leave me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anyone with you?¡± the bouncer asked, looking around.


    ¡°Fuck! Where the hell did that idiot go?¡± Ronnie eximed, acting like his friend had left him. ¡°Is he the one who sold me out to my wife?¡± he added angrily.


    The bouncer stepped aside, still smirking. ¡°Go and make that bastard pay.¡±


    ¡°Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! He was the one who said that we will enjoy tonight, and yet, shit bastard!¡± Ronnie mutters making sure that bouncer hears him as he quickly leaves the club, his heart still racing. He had to inform Jace and the others about what Cedrick had texted him and make a n.

 Chapter 77

    Emerald sat on her chair in her office at ACEGame, her eyes fixed on the glowing screens. Creep continued hacking every CCTV around the Red House just in case their enemy decided to transfer Dr. Sanders and Ember again. Despite the bustling activity around her, Emerald felt a gnawing sense of dread. She hadn¡¯t gone home, staying close and connected to her husband, where she could be updated in real-time.


    She wanted to know what was happening on Jace¡¯s side and ensure he was also okay. Young Morgan was worried about her husband, too, so she was thankful that he took Liam with him. Emerald was busy thinking about the love of her life when her phone buzzed.


    ¡°Jace, any news?¡± she asked after she quickly answered when she recognized Jace¡¯s number. Her voice was tight with worry.


    ¡°We found them, dear wife,¡± Jace replied, his voice steady and reassuring. ¡°Cedrick located Dr. Sanders and Ember. They¡¯re at the Red House.¡±


    Emerald let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her momentarily before anxiety crept back in.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n? Are we going to get them out now?¡± she asked hurriedly. Jace hesitated before answering.


    ¡°We need to wait for the warrant. The police are working on it, but it won¡¯t be ready until morning. We don¡¯t have a choice but to sit tight for now.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Morning? That¡¯s hours away. Anything could happen before then!¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Jace said, his tone soothing. ¡°But Cedrick is with them. He¡¯ll keep them safe until we can move in. The important thing now is to stay calm and wait for the right moment.¡±


    Emerald ran a hand through her hair, trying to steady her breathing. ¡°I can¡¯t just sit here and do nothing,¡± she admitted, her voice breaking. ¡°What if something goes wrong?¡±


    Jace¡¯s voice softened. ¡°I understand, dear wife. Believe me, I do. But Cedrick is good at what he does. He¡¯s trained for situations like this. We have to trust him.¡±


    Emerald nodded, even though Jace couldn¡¯t see her. ¡°I know. It¡¯s just hard.¡±


    Jace continued to speak, his voice a steady presence in her ear. ¡°Ronnie is outside the Red House now, watching things. He reported that Cedrick messaged him, confirming they were in a hidden room. They¡¯re safe for now.¡±


    Emerald felt a small measure offort in Jace¡¯s words. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll try to stay calm. But please, keep me updated on everything.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Jace promised. ¡°And dear wife, you¡¯re doing great. Just hold on a little longer.¡±


    She hung up the phone, feeling a bit more grounded. Creep nced over at her, his expression sympathetic. ¡°Hang in there,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ll get them out.¡±


    Emerald nodded, appreciating the support but still feeling the weight of the long night ahead. She settled into her chair, trying to focus on the screens and her thoughts with Cedrick, Dr. Sanders, and Ember, hoping the morning woulde quickly and end their ordeal.


    ¡°Who do you think took your mother, M?¡± Creep asked out of nowhere. After he focused his hacking on the CCTV in the parking lot and around the establishment to ensure he could see any activity, he looked at Emerald.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any idea either,¡± Emerald replied. ¡°But Jace, Grandpa, and Dad agreed to look after the Morgans. Although I didn¡¯t think they would still have the resources to do that, I can¡¯t ignore that possibility, right?¡±


    ¡°I think so too. But Mr. Morgan lost everything, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I think too. But we can never tell. What if Emerson was hiding something from us? Or even from his family? I know him; he¡¯s greedy, and nothing matters to him most but money.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ember is not in very good condition. We both know that keeping her will only make him spend a lot. Dr. Sanders was there to ensure your mom¡¯s health, right?¡± Emerald nodded before Creep continued. ¡°Then she must be in a serious condition, and whoever took her had been taking care of all of her medical needs. Emerson has no money, as far as we know.¡±


    Young Morgan wanted to believe it, but the cringe she felt about the situation and the fact that they knew Emerose was working in the same ce as Dr. Sanders and Ember held captured made her uneasy and suspicious.


    When Jace arrived, it was midnight, and young Morgan looked worried. ¡°Did something happen?¡± she asked, but young Higginson smiled and shook his head.


    ¡°The police said that we should leave.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emerald eximed and abruptly got up from her office chair. Creep, who was sleepy, suddenly felt awake when he heard her. ¡°What if they bring Dr. Sanders and Mom out of the Red House again? What the hell were they thinking?¡±


    ¡°Calm down, dear wife. The police didn¡¯t leave the premises with Ronnie. The request for a warrant is ready and will be brought to the prosecutor as early as possible.¡± Jace exined. ¡°And don¡¯t forget that Cedrick is with Dr. Sanders and your mom as we speak.¡±


    A deep sigh of relief came out of Emerald. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I acted¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be; I understand. But for now, we must go home and rest to prepare for tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°But¡±


    ¡°Liam is there,¡± Jace cut off her words.


    ¡°Fine.¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°You felt relieved when I mentioned his name, dear wife,¡± Jace asked, creasing his forehead. He felt jealous, thinking Emerald trusted Liam more than him.


    ¡°Oh,e on, Jace. I just know Liam.¡±


    ¡°And me?¡±


    Emerald couldn¡¯t say anything for fear that she would say something that would make her husband upset or jealous. ¡°Ahm, Jace is right. Go home, M. You need to rest, too. Don¡¯t make Ace worry as well.¡± Creep chimed in, thinking the couple would argue about Liam.


    ¡°I already said fine,¡± Emerald said as he averted his gaze from her friend, who was now scratching the back of his head.


    Jace took young Morgan¡¯s bag and offered her his hand before they started leaving the office. But Emerald remembered something, so she stopped and looked at her friend, ¡°You have to rest as well Creep.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Elise will being over. I¡¯ll guard the Red House perimeter so they won¡¯t have a chance to escape.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Creep.¡±


    ¡°You know this is nothing, and you¡¯re always wee, M.¡± That¡¯s all, and the couple left hand in hand.


    In the car, Emerald noticed that they were going the wrong way. ¡°I thought we were going home?¡± she asked, looking outside the window.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jace replied, making young Morgan look at him.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to my house.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Care to tell me where we are going?¡±


    ¡°I already said home.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Jace.¡±


    ¡°Your father and grandfather are in your mansion; I want to punish you for trusting Liam more than me.¡±


    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± she eximed and noticed that they were going to the Software Group building.


    ¡°In my penthouse. I want to bring you to our mansion, but it is a little far, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll ask me to go to the Red House first thing in the morning, so staying here would be convenient.¡±


    After a few minutes, young Higginson parked his car in the basement of the building, opened the passenger seat door, and helped Emerald get out of the car. They held their hands as they entered and exited the elevator when they reached the penthouse.


    ¡°Now, dear wife, you shall receive what you deserve,¡± Jace said before iming his wife¡¯s mouth, not giving her a chance to say anything.


    With everything that happened, Emerald felt the urge to respond to her husband, who was now sucking her tongue. Her hands started to caress Jace¡¯s chest, going up to his broad shoulders; she clung to him and wrapped her legs around his waist when he carried her.


    They ended up in his bedroom, and young Higginson had her lie on his bed. Their eyes locked on each other as he said, ¡°You trust Liam more than me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that.¡±


    ¡°Shh. There¡¯s no need to exin,¡± he said, thinking Emerald was only making an alibi. ¡°I understand that you know him more and that you two spend more time with each other while we are away. But it hurts me thinking there¡¯s another man with whom you had spent your difficult times.¡±


    ¡°J-Jace¡­¡± Emerald muttered. She looked at her husband and capped his face with both her hands before kissing him, to which he responded with so much desire, making young Morgan¡¯s body overflow with lust.


    Young Higginson began undressing Emerald while he continued kissing her on her lips to her face, down to her neck, and ended up on her already exposed breast as he took off her tops and bra. There, he let his tongue y on her little hard buds, making her grab her husband by his hair and pull him closer, never wanting him to stop what he was doing.


    Jace¡¯s hands began to travel down Emerald¡¯s body until they reached her belt and unbuckled it before unzipping and unbuttoning her cks.


    ¡°Ohh, Jace..¡± she moaned in pleasure when he gave one of her nipples little bites before sucking it, making Emerald gasped in euphoria.


    When Jace finally took off her cks, he stood up and began to undress himself while young Morgan watched him with her lustful eyes. He joined her back in bed and began pleasuring Emerald again before he positioned himself on top of her and roughly thrust in her.


    He continued pounding on her until they both screamed in pleasure when they reached their climax.

 Chapter 78

    ¡°Stay here, my dear wife. We need backup in case those who took your mom try to escape. We need Creep¡¯s expertise,¡± Jace said to Emerald, who insisted oning to the Red House to witness the police raid.


    ¡°Jace, please. I really want to go,¡± she pleaded. When they woke up and started getting ready to leave, her husband had already told her he would only drop her off at the ACEGame building, where Creep and his wife were. They stayed there to monitor the surrounding area of the Red House and report any suspicious activity or movement from the staff.


    ¡°Please, dear wife, it will also ease my mind knowing you¡¯re safe. People are watching over you here and outside the building, so you can focus on the monitor and help Creep. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s also tired.¡± Emerald took a deep breath before nodding. She didn¡¯t want to burden those who would rescue her mother, so she followed her husband¡¯s wishes.


    Jace left after dropping young Morgan off at her office, where Creep and Elise were still present. She missed her son, so she called her father, Mr. Landers. ¡°Dad, can you pleasee here at ACEGame with Grandpa and Ace,¡± she said after checking on her son, who had just woken up and was having breakfast, ording to her father. She decided not to send him to school for now to ensure his safety.


    ¡°Alright, dear, your Grandpa and I also want to know what¡¯s happening,¡± Mr. Landers replied. After a few reminders, their conversation ended.


    Meanwhile, Jace headed straight to the Red House, where Liam awaited. He wanted everything to be over so he could focus on his rtionship with Emerald. Since they reconciled, he had stayed at his wife¡¯s mansion and wanted them to live together in their own home.


    The Morgan mansion had also be Emerald¡¯s property after Elise discovered that Emerson had embezzled arge sum of money. Jace pondered their situation as a couple. He used to think that Emerald was only after his money, but now he knew she was wealthy. In addition to thepany she and her friends had founded, her real father and grandfather also had businesses abroad.


    As he drove, Jace was lost in thought, realizing that no one else could manage those businesses but Emerald. He wondered if his wife would have less time for him if that happened, something he didn¡¯t want. All he wanted was to be with young Morgan all the time, which wouldn¡¯t be possible if he had to travel back and forth between countries.


    ¡°Jace,¡± Liam greeted him when he arrived at the ce where he had left the man the previous night.


    ¡°How¡¯s everything?¡±


    ¡°The police are in the prosecutor¡¯s office waiting for the warrant.¡±


    ¡°And inside?¡±


    ¡°No news yet. Cedrick still hasn¡¯te out, and Ronnie hasn¡¯t received any more texts from him sincest night,¡± Liam reported before sighing. He couldn¡¯t help but worry about the detective.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Ronnie?¡± Jace asked.


    ¡°He went with the police. He wants to make sure we get the warrant.¡± Jace nodded and looked at the Red House. It was now closed, and they noticed workers cleaning the area from where they stood.


    There were also a few undercover police officers around, so Jace believed they would eventually catch those involved in Ember¡¯s abduction.


    Inside the Red House, Cedrick talked to Dr. Sanders and the now-awake Ms. Ember. ¡°Are you sure what you¡¯re saying?¡± the woman asked the investigator wide-eyed.


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Ember. And Ms. Emerald never stopped looking for you.¡± The woman smiled with happiness. She never thought that even though young Morgan only knew her as a nanny, she cared enough to worry and have her searched for.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here any longer, Mr. Cedrick. It won¡¯t be long before we can no longer hide Ms. Lucy¡¯s- I mean, Ms. Ember¡¯s- true condition,¡± Dr. Sanders said with concern. He was sure that Emerson¡¯s men would eventually catch them.


    ¡°I never thought he¡¯d be so obsessed with me. If I had known things would turn out like this, I would never have asked him to take responsibility for what I thought was our child. I had no idea that Harry was her real father. I didn¡¯t even know I was pregnant when I left Italy.¡±


    ¡°You really had no idea Mr. Landers was Ms. Emerald¡¯s real father?¡± Cedrick asked in surprise.


    ¡°None at all. But as she grew, I began to see Harry in her, so I realized that Emerson wasn¡¯t her real father.¡± Ember¡¯s face was sad, and the two men felt sorry for her. ¡°If only I had known¡­¡±


    ¡°We need to figure out a way to let my colleagues outside know our exact location. This building is huge, and I didn¡¯t realize this ce was like this,¡± Cedrick said. ¡°The prostitution here is rampant, and I think there are some powerful people involved. I¡¯m also sure that illegal drugs are prevalent here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we need to get out of here. I¡¯m sure Emerson is beyond wicked, and once he catches us, he¡¯ll bury us alive,¡± Dr. Sanders added, making Ember even more frightened.


    Cedrick thought of standing by the door to listen for any sound. He had just taken his position when he heard the stairs creak slightly. He looked at the two bowing their heads, seemingly deep in thought.


    ¡°Someone¡¯sing.¡± Dr. Sanders and Ember¡¯s eyes widened, unsure what to do after Cedrick said that. But the detective quickly acted,ying Ember down again and hiding behind an old cab. The doctor tried to stay calm andposed.


    A few momentster, a man entered just as Dr. Sanders decided to bend over Ember¡¯s bed, pretending to be asleep. They both were nervous but tried to act normally so the neer wouldn¡¯t suspect anything.


    ¡°Tell the boss the doctor is still asleep,¡± the man ordered, apparently speaking to someone else.


    ¡°Okay,¡± the person replied, and they heard footsteps moving away. But the first man remained. He was about to leave when he decided to check the medicine supply in the cab where Cedrick was hiding. Dr. Sanders noticed this, so he quickly made a noise to prevent the detective from being seen.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here. Did you bring breakfast?¡± the doctor asked, pretending to be sleepy and rubbing his eyes as if removing some morning glories.


    The man nced at him and said, ¡°It¡¯s not time for you to eat yet.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What time is it?¡± the doctor continued to confuse the man, who walked away from the cab and closer to Ember¡¯s bed. ¡°I told the guy who camest night that Ms. Lucy needs an EEG so I can tell if there¡¯s any brain activity. I can¡¯t just keep injecting her with medicine; it might harm her body.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make too many demands! Just do your job!¡± the man shouted angrily.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying that Mr. Morgan will be happy to know Ms. Lucy is improving. But I can¡¯t guarantee that without the equipment I need. I told you to bring the one from the mansion we left. Still, you didn¡¯t listen,¡± the doctor said, prolonging the conversation to further confuse the man who knew nothing about medicine.


    ¡°Alright, the boss will be hereter, and I¡¯ll tell him what you¡¯re asking for.¡± Then he left and went to Emerson¡¯s right-hand man, who was also in Madam Z¡¯s office.


    The three of them breathed a sigh of relief and resumed discussing how to escape. Cedrick found out that the man would returnter with their food. But none of them could leave because they would surely be seen by the club¡¯s staff.


    Cedrick took a deep breath. ¡°I just need a signal to inform them of our location.¡±


    The detective went to the door and slowly opened it. Once he was sure no one was around, he turned to the doctor. ¡°You need to send this message. If I go upstairs and am caught, they¡¯ll quickly figure out something is wrong. But if you go, you can just say you¡¯re hungry or need to tell them Ms. Ember has woken up.¡±


    ¡°What? Won¡¯t that put all our lives in even greater danger?¡± the doctor eximed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Stay calm. If you can send my message, the police will storm this Red House, so you need to make sure you can.¡±


    ¡°He has a point, Dr. Sanders,¡± Ember agreed. The doctor nodded as Cedrick began typing on his phone, ensuring all his notifications were turned off and the phone was silent.


    Cedrick handed the phone to Dr. Sanders, who took it and headed to the door. He peeked out before taking a deep breath and casually climbed the stairs. Despite his nerves, he tried to remain calm.


    When he reached the top step, he listened on the other side of what served as a door before gently pushing it open once he was sure no one was there. He looked at the phone and noticed it still said ¡°sending,¡± so he stepped out further to ensure he could get a signal.

 Chapter 79

    ¡°Do you think it will send?¡± Cedrick asked anxiously. Dr. Sanders had returned and said that he left the cell phone on top of a high cab, which the doctor believed wouldn¡¯t be noticed by anyone since the detective assured him it was on silent mode.


    ¡°I think so because the signal bar went up when I checked. I just panicked when I heard footsteps approaching. I can¡¯t afford to be caught, especially if the message wasn¡¯t sent sessfully,¡± the doctor said, thinking it was better than getting caught.


    Cedrick and Ember nodded, understanding Dr. Sanders¡¯ predicament. He wasn¡¯t used to such situations, so they could only rely on prayer for the sess of their actions. As much as they wanted to do more, they couldn¡¯t risk each other¡¯s safety.


    They were nervous as they waited, knowing it was still early. Cedrick pondered the possibilities his colleagues outside might have done and shared them with the two. ¡°If Ronnie received my textst night, he likely informed Mr. Higginson and the others that we¡¯re here, and they might be at the prosecutor¡¯s office now, getting the warrant they need to search this entire ce.¡±


    ¡°And at this hour, government offices are just opening, so we¡¯ll have to wait a bit longer,¡± Dr. Sanders added. The detective nodded, and Ember breathed a sigh of relief. She wanted to leave the ce and was tired of pretending to be always asleep whenever someone was about to check on her. She thought it had been long since she was abducted and wanted to see her family, especially Emerald.


    ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t know our exact location. I was on the 10th floor, then entered a room where I moved a cab that served as a door leading to the stairs.¡± Dr. Sanders and Ember exchanged looks; they, too, had no idea where in the Red House they were. ¡°I went down here, and given the length of the stairs, I guess we¡¯re on the 7th floor, if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡±


    ¡°I hope your guess is correct.¡±


    ¡°I just noticed the stairs are nted, so I can¡¯t be sure. Because of the steep nt, we could be on the 9th or 8th floor. Anyway, the important thing is that there¡¯s no other way in or out except those stairs, and we know that any enemy would appear through that door.¡±


    The three remained silent, listening intently above. Cedrick periodically peered up the stairs to check for any signs of approach. He didn¡¯t want them to get caught just when they were about to be rescued.


    ¡°You need to hide,¡± Dr. Sanders said, catching Cedrick¡¯s attention. ¡°The person bringing my breakfast is on their way.¡±


    The detective understood and moved away from the stairs, returning to his hiding ce. He trusted Dr. Sanders that no matter what happened, he would not let him get caught by anyone because he also mentioned that Emerson¡¯s men had this routine. Not long after, the door opened just as Embery back down. The doctor still had some medicine to keep the woman asleep but didn¡¯t use it, thinking they would be rescued shortly.


    Ember prayed silently from her position, hoping they would indeed escape. She longed to see Emerald and Harry, the man she loved and her father, Mr. Ferguson.


    Meanwhile, outside, Jace and Liam were growing impatient, waiting for the police to arrive with the warrant. They wanted to storm the Red House, but some of their fellow officers, who were also nearby, held them back.


    A momentter, they saw a vehicle arrive and drive straight to the back of the Red House. From how some employees saluted as it passed, it seemed the passenger held some authority. Jace and Liam exchanged nces, wondering who could be inside the fancy car.


    Just as the vehicle finally disappeared from their sight, Jace received a call from Ronnie. ¡°Sir, the warrant has been approved. We¡¯re heading back there now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you very much,¡± replied Young Higginson. Ronnie said something else, which Jace just acknowledged. After ending the call, he turned to Liam and ryed everything the detective had said.


    ¡°I hope their leader is there too,¡± Liam said, sighing.


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Jace agreed, then looked back at the establishment and waited quietly.


    Liam also stayed silent, thinking that once all this chaos was over, he might be able to return to Italy. He knew and epted that there was no chance of rekindling things with Emerald since Jace would never let them get separated. He felt thankful that the woman he loved would finally be happy, even if it wasn¡¯t with him.


    Meanwhile, Emerson had just entered Madam Z¡¯s office and received the news that police hade to their club the previous night wanting to search it. ¡°What? Why are you just telling me this now?¡± Mr. Morgan asked furiously.


    ¡°We knew they wouldn¡¯t seed in getting a warrant. We have some prosecutors on our side,¡± Madam Z replied confidently.


    ¡°You still shouldn¡¯t have been socent. Where is Lucy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still in the secret room. Only a few of us know about it, so no one will find her there,¡± Emerson¡¯s right-hand person answered. ¡°By the way, boss, the doctor said she needs an EEG to determine if there¡¯s brain activity in Ms. Lucy.¡±


    ¡°Really? That means there¡¯s development, and Dr. Sanders wants to be sure,¡± Mr. Morgan responded with a smile. The two exchanged nces, realizing they couldn¡¯t stop their boss when it came to women. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s more important to ensure those police don¡¯t return.¡±


    ¡°I have people checking outside, and they reported no suspicious activity,¡± Madam Z said, looking at Emerson.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Who did you send to look?¡±


    ¡°The staff at the club. Of course, I couldn¡¯t send our illegal personnel there because they¡¯d be suspicious if they saw them.¡±


    ¡°How was the clubst night? Anything unexpected happens?¡± Mr. Morgan asked again to confirm.


    ¡°Nothing, boss, except we made more moneyst night because of the older customers who engaged in threesomes and twosomes with our entertainers.¡±


    ¡°Good. It looks like our business is going to improve even more,¡± Emerson replied with a grin. ¡°Prepare the ambnce; we¡¯ll move Dr. Sanders and Lucy again. I feel they won¡¯t stop and will keeping back here. It¡¯s better to ensure they don¡¯t find those two here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡± both his right-hand person and Madam Z replied.


    At the ACEGame building, Emerald was restless, watching theputer monitor showing the establishment¡¯s surroundings. They were waiting to report anything that happened to Jace as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Calm down, dear,¡± Mr. Landers said, holding his grandchild, Ace.


    ¡°How can I calm down when I know that the lives of my loved ones and friends might be in danger?¡±


    ¡°Hija, please, you have to calm down. Trust your husband and your friend,¡± Mr. Ferguson added, taking Ace from Mr. Landers and settling him on the couch.


    ¡°Mommy, are Dad and Uncle Liam going to be okay?¡± the child asked worriedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my son, your Daddy can handle it. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll rescue your grandma,¡± Mr. Landers answered, still seeing his daughter¡¯s concern. ¡°And Emerald, once again, calm yourself.¡±


    Young Morgan nodded and tried to follow her father¡¯s advice. ¡°M,e look at this.¡±


    ¡°What is it, Creep?¡± Emerald asked, redirecting her attention to theputer monitor.


    ¡°Here,¡± Elise pointed out. Mr. Landers approached, and they examined closely what the couple was pointing at. They noticed a red vehicle that had just arrived.


    ¡°Check the te number,¡± Mr. Landers suggested, as they couldn¡¯t see who was inside.


    ¡°On it,¡± Creep replied, quickly typing on his keyboard. Emerald was restless, eager to find out the owner, but it took a while to locate. After a few minutes, Emerald remembered to inform her husband and called him.


    ¡°Yes, dear wife?¡± Jace answered immediately.


    ¡°A luxurious car has arrived, but it went straight to a closed garage, and the owner hasn¡¯te out yet,¡± Young Morgan informed her husband.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let the police know when they arrive.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t they have the warrant yet? They might be hiding there. Please make sure they get there quickly. It¡¯s behind the Red House, the red roll-up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear wife. We¡¯ll do everything to get your mom and Dr. Sanders.¡±


    Over an hourter, Ronnie and the police arrived with the warrant. Jace immediately told the operation¡¯s team leader what Emerald had reported, so the team quickly assigned people to check the ce. The team then entered the Red House to find Madam Z and searched the entire establishment.


    ¡°What is thismotion all about?¡± the old woman demanded angrily.


    ¡°Madam Z, here¡¯s the warrant to search the entire establishment,¡± the police officer said, showing the old woman the paper. Her face hardened, and she ground her teeth before looking at her right-hand man and nodding at him. The man quickly left, and the police, followed by Ronnie, Liam, and Jace, entered.


    ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t just barge in. You might mess up my things, and I assure you, you¡¯ll regret it. You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re dealing with!¡± the old woman threatened. But they ignored her and continued searching the entire Red House.


    The police leader followed the man who had nodded to Madam Z, thinking he might be hiding or taking away their target.


    Meanwhile, Jace called Emerald again to ensure they were watching and that Creep monitored the CCTV around the Red House to see if anyone was attempting to escape.

 Chapter 80

    Dr. Sanders and Ember were already eating while Cedrick just watched them. The doctor offered him food, but he let them eat instead. He wasn¡¯t hungry yet and was used to situations like this, sometimes going three days without eating due to investigations. He figured the two needed it more, especially if things got chaotic when Ronnie received his message.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bitte for breakfast?¡± Cedrick asked the doctor. He thought Emerson had been depriving him of proper nourishment. He admired the doctor for not giving up on Ember after all those years he cared for her.


    ¡°This is the usual time they bring my food,¡± Dr. Sanders replied. Cedrick said nothing further and went to the door, leaving it slightly ajar, hoping to hear something from either above or below.


    He knew the police might arrive at any moment, so he began to prepare himself. He needed to protect the two of them as best he could. Not because it was his job but because he wanted Mr. Landers and Ember to reunite. He wanted to see his boss and friend finally happy after so long searching for the woman he loved.


    He looked at Ember and couldn¡¯t help but smile. While Mr. Landers resembled Emerald, young Morgan had inherited her mother¡¯s demeanor, actions, and character. They both appeared modest and respectable.


    After eating, Cedrick began briefing them on what to do if Emerson¡¯s men found them. He reminded the two to stay close to him and not to stray if chaos ensued, making it easier for him to assist and protect them.


    Then they heard the sound of footsteps. Dr. Sanders opened the door slightly to see if anyone wasing. However, they soon realized that the noise wasing from above.


    Dr. Sanders wanted to peek out, but Cedrick stopped him. ¡°We don¡¯t know who¡¯s up there; let¡¯s wait,¡± said the detective, and both the doctor and Ember agreed. ¡°If it¡¯s Emerson¡¯s men, just follow their instructions, and I¡¯ll follow you. Do not show fear or anxiety so they won¡¯t suspect I¡¯m here.¡±


    Again, the two nodded, fully cing their trust in Cedrick. They knew and felt he wouldn¡¯t abandon them, so they followed whatever he told them.


    Just as the detective wanted, they waited, and all three exchanged nces when they heard footstepsing down the stairs. Cedrick quickly hid to avoid being seen and ensure the two wouldn¡¯t be endangered if Emerson¡¯s men arrived.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Dr. Sanders asked, surprised when the door suddenly opened, revealing Liam. Cedrick heard this and peeked out to see who had arrived.


    ¡°Mr. Liam!¡± he eximed. The doctor and Ember turned to the neer as Jace and Ronnie appeared behind him.


    ¡°Did you get my text this morning?¡± Cedrick asked Ronnie.


    ¡°Just now. Why didn¡¯t you tell mest night?¡± Ronnie asked, confused, as Jace and Liam approached Dr. Sanders and Ember to ensure they were okay.


    ¡°There¡¯s no signal here. It¡¯s a good thing I texted youst night before I came down and met them,¡± the detective replied. Let¡¯s leave before Emerson¡¯s men catch up to us.¡±


    They moved quickly, and when they reached the top, the police were already waiting. The doctor and Ember breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they were safe. ¡°Ahm, you¡¯re Mr. Higginson, right?¡± Dr. Sanders asked Jace once they were outside.


    ¡°Yes, why?¡± Jace replied, asking, and Dr. Sanders shook his head. He thought Jace must be on their side, especially since Cedrick told them they he and Emerald were okay now.


    Ember was ced in an ambnce, and young Higginson followed to apany her to the hospital. He left Liam and the two detectives to chase after Emerson, who had quickly escaped when themotion began. At the same time, some police officers were sent to the Morgan family¡¯s apartment where Merly was, assuming she was involved in Ember¡¯s kidnapping.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Meanwhile, Jace called his wife to inform her that her mother was safe and that they were going to the hospital to have specialists check Ember and ensure her health. Dr. Sanders was taken care of in the next hospital bed as well, even though he said he was fine.


    ¡°Jace!¡± Emerald shouted when she saw her husband standing in the emergency room where a specialist was examining Ember. Young Higginson met his wife, embraced her, and gently kissed her forehead before leading her to her mother.


    ¡°Nanny-I mean, Mom¡­¡± young Morgan said, her voice trembling with emotion. Her mother smiled and opened her arms, causing Emerald to embrace her tightly, crying like a child.


    Standing behind them was Mr. Landers, holding Ace, who Jace then took from him. Next to him was Mr. Ferguson, who was also crying as he watched the mother and daughter continue to cry in each other¡¯s arms.


    Emerald eventually let go of her mother, allowing her father and grandfather to approach Ember. Thetter was stunned upon seeing the only man she had ever loved. She sat up as Harry finally reached her hospital bed, tearfully meeting his embrace.


    ¡°I miss you so much, Ember, sweetheart,¡± Mr. Landers said in a loving voice, hoarse from holding back tears.


    ¡°I miss you too, sweetheart. I¡¯m sorry for being so stubborn and not following your wishes.¡±


    ¡°No, it was my fault. I should have told you the truth so you wouldn¡¯t have thought you meant nothing to me. I¡¯m the one who pushed you away,¡± Mr. Landers said, unable to hold back his tears anymore.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Ember said after hugging the man she loved.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, my dear. I¡¯m the root cause of all this. If I hadn¡¯t forced you into marriage, you and Harry wouldn¡¯t have had a misunderstanding, and you wouldn¡¯t have left,¡± Mr. Ferguson said in a long, remorseful statement before embracing his only daughter.


    Emerald, Jace, and Ace watched them with happy smiles, witnessing their reunion. Now, young Morgan¡¯s heart could finally be at peace, knowing she had found her long-lost nanny, who turned out to be her real mother after meeting her biological father and grandfather.

 Chapter 81

    Emerson was now being hunted by thew. What happened was that he was about to visit Ember in the secret room when Jace saw him. The old Morgan wondered why the billionaire was there, but he chose to run when young Higginson tried to approach him.


    Meanwhile, Merly was causing a scene at the precinct after she was picked up by the police from their apartment. Mrs. Morgan couldn¡¯t believe that her husband could do what the police were using them of. She vehemently denied the allegations about them being involved in Ember¡¯s kidnapping.


    After the doctor discharged Ember from the hospital, everyone went to Emerald¡¯s house. They were extremely happy, especially Ace, who couldn¡¯t believe howrge their family had grown. He used to live with his Mom and a few friends and didn¡¯t expect to have many grown-ups to be added to the people who loved him.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy that you still seeded despite everything that family put you through,¡± said Ember tearfully as she gently stroked Emerald¡¯s cheek. She still couldn¡¯t believe that they were finally together again after more than five years.


    Young Morgan smiled at her mother and said nothing more. For her, it was enough that they were together again, along with her real father and grandfather.


    ¡°I just hope they catch Emerson soon,¡± Mr. Landers said angrily. He was sitting beside Ember, while across from them sat Mr. Ferguson, with Ace by his side.


    ¡°The police are doing their best to find him,¡± Jace interjected. ¡°Besides, Liam is with them.¡±


    ¡°That young man is wonderful,¡± Mr. Ferguson praised Liam. Given his past with Emerald, Jace felt a bit ufortable with the old man¡¯sment.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    But young Morgan held his hand and gently squeezed it before offering him a knowing smile. Emerald didn¡¯t want Jace to be guilty of what happened and what he had done to her. She wanted them to live happily, especially after knowing that there were a lot of people who loved her as well.


    Jace and Emerald go to the precinct to talk to Merly the next day as Liam goes to Miami to find Donato and convince him to be a witness against Merly, who had ordered him to kidnap Ember five years ago when she was confined in the hospital. They wanted to ensure they had everything and gathered all the evidence to put the Morgan family behind bars.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Merly asked angrily when she saw Emerald. Her eyes were full of rage as if she wanted to strangle her until she could no longer breathe. But there was a ss partition between them, and they were in separate rooms, with only a microphone and speaker allowing them tomunicate.


    ¡°You have to tell us where your husband might have gone.¡± Emerald¡¯s voice was calm as if she felt no anger toward the old woman.


    Merly chuckled after hearing what young Morgan said, ¡°I didn¡¯t even know he owned that Red House!¡± the old woman shouted. ¡°He kept it a secret from us, along with his money, while he let us live in that tiny, filthy apartment. For what? For your whore of a mother! So he could continue paying for her treatment, even though she only used him?¡±


    ¡°So, you already know everything, and I do not need to tell you,¡± Emerald spoke calmly. At the same time, Jace remained silent, just listening. ¡°It¡¯s not my mother¡¯s fault if your husband was smitten by her. We can do nothing about it; wee from a line of beautiful women.¡± The young Morgan smiled at Merly sarcastically, her words causing the old woman to seethe with even more anger.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Merly screamed, enraged, which made Emeraldugh. ¡°I don¡¯t know where that demon Emerson is! And even if I did, I would never tell you!¡±


    ¡°I knew I couldn¡¯t expect anything from you. You said it yourself-you didn¡¯t even know he had money, and you and your daughter werepletely clueless.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s the reason you came here?¡± Merly¡¯s eyes were still filled with fury, and her body trembled at Emerald¡¯s words. She couldn¡¯t ept that Emerson had kept secrets from their family and prioritized Ember over them.


    ¡°I just wanted to annoy you; what else?¡± young Morgan replied with augh. Jace, who had been watching and listening, couldn¡¯t believe what his wife had just said. Before they arrived, she had hoped Merly would cooperate with them. But after witnessing their conversation, he realized his wife had a side to her that made him smile.


    ¡°Get out! Get out and nevere back here again!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll rot in prison, Merly Morgan, for kidnapping my Mom from the hospital five years ago. I won¡¯t stop until you and your family pay for everything you¡¯ve done to mine.¡± After that, the couple finally turned their backs on the old woman. Emerald made sure that the old woman truly had no idea where Emerson was, as the police had told them. And she knew the old woman, whom she had long believed to be her real mother, was telling the truth.


    The couple left the precinct afterward. Jace couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Emerald as they walked to the parking lot where they left their car.


    ¡°What?¡± young Morgan couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°What?¡± Jace echoed, confused.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been staring for a while; why don¡¯t you just say whatever you want?¡± Emerald stopped walking and faced her husband, who did the same.


    ¡°Nothing. Is it wrong for me to be captivated by the beauty thates from your lineage?¡± Emerald suddenly burst intoughter, and her husband joined in.


    ¡°That was just a joke!¡±


    ¡°For me, it wasn¡¯t. You¡¯re beautiful, dear wife. You¡¯ve inherited your looks from Mommy Ember.¡± Jace caressed his wife¡¯s face before giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    Emerald smiled sweetly at her husband¡¯s words, then cupped his cheeks and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.


    ¡°And you¡¯re also the most handsome man I¡¯ve ever known, Jace Higginson.¡±

 Chapter 82

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Emerald asked her husband in surprise. She thought that after leaving the precinct, they would head straight to their offices. But she noticed that her husband was taking a different route.


    ¡°After all the stress you¡¯ve been through, I think you deserve a break. Don¡¯t think about work for now,¡± Jace replied, ncing at her after ensuring the road was safe. Emerald rolled her eyes at him, which made both of themugh. ¡°Kidding aside, dear wife. With everything that happened, you¡¯ve been through so much worry and stress, so I want to make you happy and take care of you today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, I¡¯m just worried about yourpany,¡± Emerald replied with concern.


    ¡°Just like you have Creep, Daryl, and Elise in yourpanies, I also have Kyle. I can rely on my friend, so you have nothing to worry about,¡± young Higginson exined. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like I do this every day.¡±


    Emerald didn¡¯t respond and just let her husband do what he wanted. She knew there was nothing she could do once Jace had decided, and she couldn¡¯t stop him anyway since he was the one driving.


    Young Morgan furrowed her brow when she noticed they were heading toward their former home. She was about to ask again but decided against it. ¡°Don¡¯t get out of the car yet.¡± Though puzzled, Emerald obeyed her husband as he parked the car in front of his mansion.


    Jace got out of the car, walked over to the passenger seat, and opened the door for Emerald before he offered her his hand. Young Morgan was a bit surprised because it was rare for him to do that, which made her feel special and cherished.


    However, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sad as she remembered how Jace used to open the door for Emerose. Emerald shook her head, refusing to dwell on the unpleasant memories, and took her husband¡¯s hand that was now extended in front of her.


    Emerald got out of the car with Jace¡¯s assistance, and he guided her inside the mansion. This was her second time returning to their former home. The first was just a few days ago, and she felt things were different now-different in a good way.


    ¡°Good morning, Sir Jace, Ma¡¯am Emerald.¡± The butler greeted them with a smile, which the couple also returned with nods and smiles. ¡°The kitchen is ready, Sir.¡±


    Emerald looked confused at her husband, wondering why the kitchen was prepared. ¡°Let¡¯s go, dear wife.¡± With that, they continued walking toward the kitchen.


    Upon arriving, Jace let go of Emerald¡¯s hand, took off his coat, and draped it over the back of a chair at the kitchen table while young Morgan watched his every move.


    ¡°Sit down and rx,¡± Jace said again as he headed to the kitchen counter, took a folded apron from the top, and put it on. Emerald¡¯s eyes widened as she realized what her husband was nning, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile while watching him prepare the ingredients for cooking.


    While chopping onions, Jace nced up to see his wife staring intently at him. ¡°You look handsome,¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t help butment, making young Higginson chuckle.


    ¡°I should be if I want to match your beauty,¡± Jace responded while arranging the beef in a rectangr ss baking dish. Emerald decided to leave him to his cooking, knowing it would take some time, while they continued to chat.


    Jace ced the meat in the oven and then turned his attention to Emerald. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you still don¡¯t have any help in this house except for your butler.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°After you left, Mom sent people to stay with me because the whole house turned into a jungle, and she was worried about me since I wasn¡¯t leaving the house. Or, more urately, your room,¡± Jace replied as he walked over to the kitchen table and sat down in the chair next to Emerald.


    ¡°So where are your helpers? Why did I only see the butler? And¡­ my room?¡±


    ¡°First, I gave the helpers the day off because I wanted it to be just us in the house. Second, yes, your room. The room you used when you were still here.¡±


    ¡°You should have stayed in your bedroom, not mine!¡± Emerald eximed in disbelief.


    ¡°But your things were there, reminding me of you. Your bed, pillow, and nket were there. I feel like I can see you sleeping when I¡¯m in that room. You didn¡¯t know, right? I used to go into your room every night to watch you sleep. You were so beautiful, and you had no idea how much I restrained myself from waking you up with my hugs and kisses.¡± Emerald was speechless; she didn¡¯t realize that her husband would confess to her.


    ¡°Every night, it felt like I was punishing myself because I wanted to tell you how much I loved you¨C how much I wanted you. Still, I couldn¡¯t because of a pointless revenge not meant for you.¡± Jace¡¯s eyes were teary as he said those words. He wanted to tell his wife how he felt for a long time, but he couldn¡¯t until she had already left him.


    Emerald stared at her husband, unable to believe what he was saying. She never imagined that he felt that way and that she had beenpletely unaware. She thought that if Jace had asked or told her the reason for his revenge, she could have exined things to him.


    On the other hand, young Morgan realized that no matter how much she exined, her husband wouldn¡¯t have listened back then. She knew he was blind and deaf to everything she would have said because of the pain caused by what happened to his brother. That¡¯s why, even though he loved her so much, he still hurt her. Emerald cupped her husband¡¯s face and said,


    ¡°I¡¯m actually thankful that you made a mistake because if you hadn¡¯t, you might have ended up with a different Emerald and not me.¡± After that, she kissed Jace, who responded with equal passion.

 Chapter 83

    MATURE CONTENT


    The two of them kissed passionately, neither wanting to stop. They were both burning with desire, and their hands began to explore each other¡¯s bodies. Jace managed to slip one hand under Emerald¡¯s blouse, causing her to arch her back.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Young Morgan moaned as she felt her husband¡¯s fingers ying with her nipple after he unhooked her bra. Jace lifted her and ced her on a sturdy kitchen table.


    Emerald spread her legs to position Jace between them as he unbuttoned her blouse. She was excited and couldn¡¯t wait to feel the pleasure that her husband was nning to give her.


    ¡°I was nning on pampering you the whole day, dear wife. And that includes making love with you.¡± Jace said after they momentarily stopped kissing as they gasped for breath. He was looking at Emerald with so much love, affection, and lust rolled into one.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just make love with me, Jace. Fuck me too. Fuck me like you never did before,¡± Emerald said, almost delirious, as her husband¡¯s mouth covered one of her nipples. At the same time, his fingers continued to y with the other.


    ¡°Shit, dear wife. I¡¯d love to do that,¡± Jace replied eagerly, couldn¡¯t wait to do what his wife wanted him to do. Even though he already knew what he needed to do, he loved it when Emerald became so demanding, telling him how she wanted him to take her.


    Emerald had started pulling Jace¡¯s hair due to the intense pleasure, especially as his hand slipped inside her panties after lifting her skirt. ¡°I¡¯ll fuck you hard, dear wife, hmm?¡±


    Emerald¡¯s eyes were zed with pleasure as she felt her husband¡¯s fingers ying with her clit before she responded, ¡°Yes, Jace. Fuck me hard and rough. I want to feel you inside me and fill me with your cum, Jace.¡± She was unaware she had been calling out her husband¡¯s name multiple times.


    Jace smiled at his wife¡¯s words and quickly pulled down Emerald¡¯s panties and gentlyid her on the table. Her blouse was unbuttoned, and her bra was unhooked and was already above her chest, exposing herrge breasts, which only fueled his desire further.


    Emerald¡¯s skirt was lifted to her waist, and Jace spread her legs to fully appreciate the beauty and cleanliness of her pussy, which he eagerly devoured.


    ¡°Urgh! Jace, it feels so good!!¡± Emerald couldn¡¯t help but scream as she felt her husband sucking on her clit, her hands clutching his hair, not knowing what to do while continuously tilting her head left and right; she couldn¡¯t find the right position.


    Emerald wanted to be fucked but also wanted her husband to prolong the pleasure. She ced her feet on the table¡¯s edge, resembling a frog. Still, the intense pleasure from her husband made her disregard the position and appreciate the ecstatic feeling that Jace¡¯s mouth, tongue, and fingers were giving her.


    Jace supported her thighs to prevent her from getting tired as he continued eating her pussy. He alternated between sucking on her outerbia and clit before stiffening his tongue and inserting it into her vagina.


    ¡°Urgh! Shit Jace! Ahh¡­¡± Emerald continued to moan, arching her back and almost rolling her eyes from the overwhelming pleasure her husband was giving her.


    Jace¡¯s hands moved from her thighs to her breasts, massaging them while his tongue kept ying with her pussy.


    ¡°Oh shit! Jace, take me, take me! Fuck me already, Jace!¡± Emerald screamed. Young Higginson straightened his back, quickly unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and pulled them with his briefs. His eager erection was now visibly ready to enter his wife¡¯s core.


    He then forcefully thrust into Emerald¡¯s vagina. ¡°Ahhh, Jace, it feels so good; please keep going. Go deeper¡­!¡±


    Jace did just that, thrusting his cock into Emerald¡¯s pussy faster and faster until they both came. Panting and catching their breath, young Higginson embraced his wife, who still had her back on the table.


    ¡°I am not going to let you go again, dear wife,¡± Jace said emotionally, almost making Emerald cry. She never expected to feel such immense happiness with the people she loves and who love her. ¡°But we¡¯re not done yet,¡± young Higginson added.


    Before Emerald could speak, Jace lifted and put her down on the floor, turned her around, and had her hold onto the table while pulling her hips back slightly. Young Morgan knew what her husband wanted, so she smiled, held on tightly to the table, and felt Jace¡¯s cock enter her from behind.


    ¡°Shit, dear wife, you¡¯re so amazing to fuck. I only feel this intense desire for you alone,¡± Jace said as he continued to thrust. Emerald moaned in response, overwhelmed by the pleasure of their bodiesing together.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You drive me crazy, dear wife. Tell me you¡¯re mine alone, and I¡¯ll be the only one to do this to you; please, tell me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Jace. I¡¯m yours alone. You¡¯re the only one I want to fuck me like this. Ahh¡­ Keep going, go faster¡­¡± she murmured deliriously.


    They were both lost in the sensations they were feeling, and Jace continued to im his wife. He wanted to make up for their time apart and show Emerald his love.


    As they waited for Jace¡¯s cooking to finish, they indulged in each other¡¯s bodies in every corner of the kitchen. They were both eager to feel each other, but they faced many problems that needed to be prioritized.


    Now that everything was okay, especially with Emerson being caught, they could freely express their eternal love, the same love they felt from the first time they saw each other.


    Emerald had her back on Jace while he licked her back after applying the chili sauce he had taken from the countertop. He put various things on her back and licked it thoroughly before thrusting and fucking his wife again.


    ¡°Jace¡­¡±


    ¡°Emerald¡­¡±


    They both shouted together as they reached the peak of their happiness. Then the oven suddenly beeped, indicating that Jace¡¯s dish was ready.

 Chapter 84

    Everything has be easier for Emerald. Her mother, Ember, now lives with her and looks after Ace when she and Jace are at the office.


    Mr. Landers and Mr. Ferguson are also doing well. The two will return to Italy to manage their business there. They invited Ember to join them, but she declined because she wanted to stay close to her daughter and grandchild.


    Mr. Ferguson had no choice but to let his daughter go, but Mr. Landers didn¡¯t want to ept it. He wanted to be with the woman he loved and had been searching for so long. So, after appointing someone to manage hispany, he will return to L. A. to be with Ember for good and to propose marriage.


    Meanwhile, the police continue to search for Emerson, who haspletely escaped after passing through a road without CCTV coverage. Creep also continues searching for routes where Emerson¡¯s vehicle could have passed.


    Emerose and Merly are still furious at the precinct about what happened to them. They never expected to end up in jail, and despite their pleading, Emerald refused to drop the charges against them. Young Morgan is determined to make Mrs. Morgan pay for kidnapping her mother before.


    Emerald thought that if Merly hadn¡¯t done that, she could have taken her mother when she left Jace, and Ember and Dr. Sanders wouldn¡¯t have had to suffer.


    Emerald is very grateful to her friend, the doctor because, without him, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to ensure her mother¡¯s safety. Dr. Sanders yed a significant role in securing Ember¡¯s life.


    Two days passed, and Emerald was in her office with Creep and Jace. Her friend had called early to inform her that he might have found Emerson¡¯s location.


    Emerson¡¯s men couldn¡¯t pinpoint Mr. Morgan¡¯s location, and even Madam Z had no idea where he was.


    ¡°That¡¯s his car, and I checked all possible routes he could have taken. With so many cars and three connected roads from where he entered, I checked them individually. And vo!¡±


    ¡°Is he still in that car? What if he switched vehicles?¡± Jace asked. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust you, but we can¡¯t underestimate that bastard.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Mr. Higginson. That¡¯s why before I called M, I made sure. I followed him until he arrived at this ce, and until now, he hasn¡¯t left that inn.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Creep!¡± Emerald eximed and hugged her friend.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. You don¡¯t need to hug him like that; Elise might get jealous,¡± Jace said, causing Emerald to roll her eyes at him while Creepughed. It was clear that he was jealous of young Morgan¡¯s actions.


    After teasing each other, Jace called Ronnie to inform him of the information Creep had given them.


    Meanwhile, Ronnie and the police quickly moved to the location Creep had sent them. He kept an eye on the inn where Emerson was staying to ensure he could monitor it if the old man noticed the police¡¯s arrival.


    Emerald paced around her office while Jace watched her. He was supposed to go with them, but his wife stopped him, telling him to let the police check the ce.


    ¡°Can you stop walking around, dear wife? Don¡¯t be too nervous; they will definitely get him,¡± Jace reassured his wife. He could see the worry on Emerald¡¯s face, and he knew she wouldn¡¯t calm down until Emerson was caught.


    Jace stood up, pulled Emerald towards her office chair, and sat her down. Creep shook his head at the two and smiled. He never thought he¡¯d see them together again, and even though he knew his friend had always loved the man, he was still happy that young Morgan was finally free from the pain and bitterness of the past. He was now sure that his friend would be happy because she had found her true family along with the realization of her dream family.


    After just five hours, Emerson was caught as he tried to escape. Still, Creep was quick, so the police blocked all possible exits before the authorities entered the inn to arrest him.


    Mr. Morgan was furious as he was handcuffed. Emerald had prepared many charges against the man she called father as she grew up but felt no pity for him. She was happy to know that thew would punish those who had mistreated her and those involved in the disappearance of her biological mother.


    For them, even though the rape case against Emerson for what he did to Ember couldn¡¯t be included due to the time that had passed, they felt they had still achieved justice because of the various crimes Emerson¡¯s group hadmitted, which Merly and Emerose were unaware of that started when he began his prostitution and illegal drug business.


    ***


    ¡°What is it, Daryl?¡± Emerald asked, frowning at her friend. They were at home, and the man insisted on talking to her.


    ¡°Can you juste with me?¡± Daryl asked, sounding impatient. It was the weekend, so they had no work at the office, and they were all at the mansion that used to belong to the Morgans. Daryl, along with Ember and Harry, who had quickly returned to L. A. after giving instructions to his assistant on managing his business, now lived there.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Emerald replied irritably, allowing her friend to pull her towards the poolside. ¡°Now what?¡±


    ¡°I want to ask for a favor.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, if that¡¯s all, you could have just told me inside. You know Ace is about to wake up and look for me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone to overhear.¡±


    ¡°Okay, so what is it?¡±


    ¡°I want you toe with me somewhere.¡± Emerald looked closely at her friend. He had never asked her to apany him before.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°I just need to buy something.¡±


    ¡°Just make sure it¡¯s not work-rted. You know it¡¯s the weekend, and I don¡¯t want to leave the house because I want us to be together,¡± Emerald warned, and Daryl nodded.


    They left, and Emerald was surprised when Daryl brought her to a boutique. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you have a girlfriend I don¡¯t know about!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s something like that.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Daryl smiled and nodded at his friend. ¡°Wow, congrattions! So, are we buying her clothes?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re buying something for you.¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°What? Why for me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to introduce you to her. You know you¡¯re my family now, just like Creep and Elise.¡± Emerald was touched by what her friend said, so she nodded.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the couple? Don¡¯t they need to change clothes too?¡± Emerald asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Do you think Elise would let herself be outdone?¡± Daryl responded, making Emeraldugh. She knew Elise¡¯s personality well and realized the couple had finished shopping. So she freely chose what to wear, and Daryl was delighted, saying it suited her perfectly. Afterward, Daryl took Emerald to a salon for a makeover.


    By lunchtime, everything was done, and Daryl had also changed; Emerald noticed how handsome her friend looked, leading her to think he was serious about the woman he liked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± Daryl asked, and Emerald nodded. They got into the car and drove straight to a well-known restaurant.


    Emerald was amazed by how beautifully the ce was decorated, thinking that Daryl had really put time and effort into confessing to his girlfriend. ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± she asked, and her friend nodded.


    The door to a spacious hall opened. As beautiful as the lobby was, Emerald realized the interior was even more stunning, which is where Daryl nned to confess. She looked up and around as they entered, momentarily forgetting her surroundings. She didn¡¯t even notice the door closing behind her.


    On the stage, there was arge screen, which caught her attention, especially when it started shing pictures. She thought she recognized the child in the photos and soon realized it was her.


    In shock, she looked around and saw the guests starting to take their seats, all smiling at her. She was confused, wondering why things were turning out differently than expected.


    Then Harry and Ember smiled as they stood beside her. She noticed Ace and Mr. Ferguson sitting at one of the tables, smiling happily at her, along with Jace¡¯s parents and Jack and his family.


    Emerald looked around for her husband because she more or less knew what was happening. Tears welled in her eyes, overwhelmed by emotions she couldn¡¯t fully understand because she never expected to experience such a moment.


    They began walking, and the song ¡°Marry Your Daughter¡± by Brian McKnight started ying. Soon, the voice of the man she had been searching for all along began to sing, seeking her parents¡¯ blessing to formally ask for her hand in marriage.

 Chapter 85

    It¡¯s ¡°D Day,¡± and Emerald stood before therge mirror, staring intently at her reflection. She couldn¡¯t believe that today was the day of her wedding to the man she loved the most. At first, it was only a dream, but now, in just a few moments, she would be walking down the aisle to meet the only man who had ever captured her heart.


    They were already married, but for Emerald, this day was different. She thought that if they had a wedding ceremony before, it might not have been as special as today, with her real parents and loved ones present and Jace¡¯s parents and families.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Emerald said as she saw her mother, Ember, get in and stand behind her, smiling.


    ¡°The stylist is here to get you ready. Are you prepared?¡± her mother asked with a smile, which Emerald returned with a sweet smile and several nods. ¡°You don¡¯t seem excited at all, do you?¡± Ember teased.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but be excited, Mommy.¡± Emerald¡¯s eyes were shining brightly like stars in the sky at night.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly how you should feel, my child,¡± Ember replied, understanding the unexinable happiness many had told her. Even though she and Mr. Landers loved each other very much, they had never had a wedding ceremony.


    Emerald wanted to have a double wedding, but her father didn¡¯t agree. He said he wanted her mother to experience what they called ¡®the wedding of the century,¡¯ which made the whole familyugh. But in truth, Emerald¡¯s parents just wanted her to enjoy and cherish her special day.


    Soon, Emerald¡¯s stylist entered the room, along with Elise, who seemed even more excited than the bride. Elise loved these events and was full of energy when it came to organizing and preparing for such asions. However, Jace hired a wedding nner and organizer. He didn¡¯t want to keep Emerald¡¯s friends busy during the asion because, for him, they were all part of his wife¡¯s life.


    ¡°Make her the most beautiful bride you ever did, okay?¡± Elise said to the stylist, making Ember and Emeraldugh. ¡°Why? Even if Jace said he would marry you in every church, that doesn¡¯t mean we should take this first time lightly. Every wedding of yours should be more beautiful than thest.¡±


    ¡°You really believe that?¡± Emerald asked,ughing. ¡°Where have you ever seen a couple get married repeatedly?¡±


    ¡°My dear, with your husband¡¯s wealth, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if he did just that,¡± Ember said, agreeing with Elise. Her mother sees how much Jace loves and favors her daughter.


    ¡°See? Even your mom agrees with me.¡± They allughed, including the stylist, at Elise¡¯sment. Then, the stylist began preparing Emerald, Elise, her mother, and some bridesmaids after the two women left the room to give the bride and stylist time and space.


    They were in arge, well-known hotel in L. A. that Jace had reserved for their wedding. Everyone was invited, even those in the lowest positions at both young Higginson¡¯s and Emerald¡¯spanies, and friends of Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Landers, who had traveled from Italy, were there.


    ¡°Let me see my daughter,¡± said Mr. Landers as he entered the room with Ember. Emerald smiled at them as they approached. ¡°My daughter is so beautiful; she looks just like me.¡±


    The mother and daughter couldn¡¯t help butugh at the head of the family¡¯sment. ¡°Oh, Harry, how long will you brag about how much you and our daughter look alike?¡± Ember said happily.


    The couple approached their daughter, looking her over intently. They couldn¡¯t believe that the day hade when they would see their daughter get married or that their family would be whole again.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy, my child, that this moment hase.¡± Ember was close to tears as she looked at her husband and daughter. Emerald stood up to hug the two people who were why she was in this world.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Mom, thank you for all your efforts to be with me, even when you didn¡¯t know what to do. I felt your love so deeply that I never once felt like I didn¡¯t have a mother. I want you to know that even when I thought of you as just a nanny, you perfectly fulfilled the role of a mother to me.¡±


    Emerald¡¯s words filled Ember with overwhelming joy. She never imagined that her daughter had loved her so much all along. The family embraced, and the stylist retouched Emerald¡¯s makeup because of her tears.


    ¡°Come on, or your husband might start throwing a fit from waiting for you too long,¡± Mr. Landers said. The mother and daughter nodded, and hand in hand, they left the room, heading to the hotel pavilion where the formal wedding ceremony and reception would ur.


    The family stood at the entrance to the closed pavilion doors, with Emerald between her parents. The legendary wedding march began to y, and therge, tall doors opened.


    As Shane Fn¡¯s ¡°Beautiful In White¡± yed, the wedding coordinator who organized the event started guiding Emerald down the aisle.


    As she walked, Emerald looked like a vision of elegance and grace. Her wedding dress is a breathtaking creation, a perfect blend of ssic and modern design made by an international wedding gown designer. It is made of delicatece, with intricate floral patterns that trail down the bodice and flow into the soft, ethereal tulle of the skirt. The dress hugs Emerald¡¯s figure beautifully, entuating her silhouette before cascading into a long, flowing train that trails behind her with every step.


    The veil is sheer and light, draped over Emerald¡¯s shoulders, with a subtle shimmer that catches the light as she moves. Her hair is styled in loose waves, with a few soft curls framing her face, and a delicate tiara rests atop her head, adding a touch of regal elegance to her look.


    Emerald¡¯s eyes are bright with emotion, a mix of joy, anticipation, and love as she takes each step closer to her groom. Her smile is radiant, a reflection of the happiness she feels in this moment. The aisle is adorned with soft petals and the beautiful voice of the singer, creating a magical atmosphere.


    At the end of the aisle, Jace waits for her, his eyes locked on hers, filled with love and admiration. As Emerald approaches, the world seems to fade away, leaving just the two of them in this perfect moment.


    Jace couldn¡¯t believe he was again with his wife he had wronged. So he made a vow to himself that he would never hurt her again. He would dedicate his entire life to making Emerald happy until hisst breath.


    When Emerald finally reached him, Jace, with tears in his eyes, extended his hand, which his wife took after shaking hands with Emerald¡¯s parents. The couple then faced the officiating priest, and the ceremony began.


    ¡°You may now kiss the bride.¡± The newlyweds faced each other, eager to kiss. They were met with loud apuse from friends, rtives, family members, and employees who witnessed the event.


    Jace and Emerald faced the guests, and the reception began. Everyone celebrated and had a great time.

 Chapter 86- The End

    MATURE CONTENT


    The newlyweds returned to Jace¡¯s mansion. He insisted they stay there because it was their home and where Emerald belonged. They were in their bedroom, and the next day, they would fly to Switzend for their honeymoon.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re mine now, dear wife.¡±


    ¡°I have always been yours, Jace.¡± Young Higginson smiled and cupped his wife¡¯s face with both hands. Before the wedding, he had said everything he wanted to, including the reason for the suffering he caused her and how regretful he was.


    ¡°I never thought you¡¯d be mine again. Yes, I want you, and I love you. I thought you could never forgive me, as you said before you left. That thought wouldn¡¯t leave my mind, and it made me fear that even if you came back or I saw you again, your love for me would be gone. That you wouldn¡¯t want to feel that way about me again,¡± Jace said emotionally to his wife.


    ¡°I tried, but I failed. I don¡¯t know what it is about you, but that¡¯s how I feel. I feel iplete without you, like a part of me is missing.¡± Jace smiled tearfully at his wife¡¯s words before iming her lips gently, which Emerald returned with love.


    Their gentle kisses grew more intense as Jace hurriedly and eagerly removed his wife¡¯s clothes one by one. He pulled back slightly after their lips parted momentarily, admiring Emerald, who was now only in her panties.


    ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen, dear wife.¡± Jace¡¯s gaze was filled with love and desire, and Emerald could see it, making her even more aroused. She wrapped his loose necktie and wrapped it around her hand before pulling him closer and kissing him willingly.


    ¡°I want you, Jace¡­ Make love to me, please¡­¡± Emerald moaned as Jace¡¯s mouth covered one of her nipples while his fingers yed with the other. Young Higginson¡¯s other hand was wrapped around her waist, supporting her so she wouldn¡¯t fall.


    Soon, Jace lifted Emerald and carried her to their bed, gentlyying her down. He then stripped off his clothes as his wife watched, spreading her legs to entice him to hurry.


    ¡°You¡¯re bolder now, dear wife,¡± Jacemented with a smile as he threw his briefs on the floor and joined his seductive wife, who was giggling.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of you¡­¡± Emerald replied. She still felt shy around her husband, but she fought it off, knowing they were married and there was nothing to be ashamed of. She thought about how, in the beginning, after they reconciled and became intimate again, she still felt the sameck of confidence and low self-esteem. But after Jace told her how much he loved her, she became morefortable.


    ¡°Ohh, Jace¡­¡± Emerald moaned in ecstasy as her husband licked her sensitive spot. She grabbed Jace¡¯s hair, overwhelmed by the pleasure, not knowing where to turn her head.


    Jace spread his wife¡¯s legs wide, which were curling up from the sensations he was giving her. Even during the reception, he had been stroking her thigh, eager to take her home if it weren¡¯t for their guests. He hardened his tongue and pushed it into Emerald¡¯s core, making her eyes roll back as she gripped his hair tighter, pressing his head against her. She didn¡¯t want him to stop making her feel this good.


    ¡°Jace, I think I¡¯m going toe. Ohh, don¡¯t stop, please¡­¡± Emerald moaned, seemingly losing her mind, spurring Jace to do even better.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ this feels so good¡­¡± Emerald cried out as Jace finally brought her to the peak of pleasure that only he could give her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet, dear wife. We¡¯re not finished.¡± Jace seemed to warn her before turning her around and lifting the lower half of her body.


    Emerald propped herself up on her elbows to support herself as her husband positioned himself behind her and roughly thrust his hardness into her dripping core, pounding into her repeatedly.


    ¡°Argh! Shit! You feel so good, dear wife! Only you make me crazy like this,¡± Jace said as he continued to thrust into her, starting slowly and then picking up speed.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ J-Jace¡­ I¡¯ming¡­¡±


    ¡°Me too, dear wife, me too¡­ Here ites¡­¡±


    And Jace released all his seed inside Emerald, who weed every drop.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to make love to you every time I get the chance, dear wife,¡± Jace whispered breathlessly in her ear after copsing on top of Emerald, who was now lying face down. He tried not to put too much weight on her so she wouldn¡¯t be ufortable.


    Jace rolled over, taking his wife with him so that now Emerald was lying on top of him, resting on her back while young Higginson¡¯s arms were wrapped around her waist.


    ¡°Dear wife,¡± Jace called to her.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Emerald responded before facing him, still lying on top of him. She wanted to see her husband while he spoke to her.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t get mad at me in the future if I suddenly make love to you, no matter where we are. I want to make up for all the time I wasted, and more than anything, I want to have lots of children.¡± Emeraldughed at her husband¡¯s words, but she wanted the same thing.


    She wanted to have a big family and raise Ace and their future children in a loving and supportive environment. She didn¡¯t want what happened between her and Emerose, where they could have treated each other like real sisters. Still, instead, jealousy and envy consumed Emerose, leading to meaningless anger that resulted in nothing good.


    Exhausted, the couple fell asleep, smiling, knowing that no matter what happened, they would always have each other to lean on. They realized that after everything they¡¯d been through, they could ovee any problem hand in hand.


    Emerald¡¯s anger towards Jace had once led her to thoughts of revenge, but it had only brought them back together-hence the Sweet Revenge.


    The End


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!