Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 52

Alexander cursed under his breath as he watched Emma walk away from him. Why had he acted this way? The regret swelled beneath the surface as he knew he had come to her maler a lousy excuse, using the chance of getting to meet the W2 Holdings CEO as an excuse. But seeing her again had stirred up something inside him that he could not avoird. What had he expected? That she'd welcome his attentions after everything that has happened between them? Giving a low growl, he turned back toward his office, his head in a chaotic whitl Kevin trailed closely behind him, phone in hand.

"Sir, Miss Annie would like to speak with you" Kevin offered extending the phone.

Tell her I'm busy, I'll talk to her later, Alexander snapped, irritation lacing his words.

"She's insisting, sir. Kevin answered, his voice was circumspect.

"If you value your job, get out of my office now." Alexander's voice was cold as ice, and Kevin, sensing no other alternative, slid out quickly, closing the door behind him before Alexander could even complete his threat. Alone in his office, Alexander leaned back into his chair to try to dissipate the tension building in his chest.

Meanwhile, later that day, Emma sat with Brianna, chatting and laughing about everything from meaningful and meaningless things. There came a soft knock on the door, and one of the receptionists entered, her face nervous.

"Miss Emma, there is a man downstairs asking for you"

the

Emma blinked in surprise. She wasn't expecting anyone, and few people even knew she was in the country, let alone her whereabouts. But with a nod to Brianna, she excused herself and went downstairs to the lobby. There, standing as if owned the world, was Jaden. Now looking at Jaden, he really looked like one of those spoiled Fernandos. She had heard a lot about the Fernandos but hadn't had the opportunity to met one and when she eventually did meet one, she didn't even know she had until he told her himself

She faltered, her heart racing, when their eyes met. The moment he saw her, his serious expression turned into a warm smile that lit up the room. She couldn't help but feel a spark of warmth, even as she tried resisting it. ""Hey," she said, casual.

Jaden greeted her softly. "How have you been? I

been busy," she responded lightly but

1

is little Emily? May I see her?" His voice was laced

fine, thank you," Ernima

to talk?" he asked, catching her wrist

nodded. She knew where this conversation would lead and a part of her had prepared herself for it. They stepped out of the hospital and walked to a nearby five-star coffee shop, where they ordered coffee. As they settled

invitation... have you thought it over?" he asked,

breath and composed herself "Jaden, I already gave you my answer that night." "But I asked you to reconsider, Emma," he said, a hint of

sorry, Jaden. My answer is still no, I have my responsibilities at the hospit... 21:14 Tue Dec

Chapter 52 55%

to get the words out. The doors of the cafe burst open and a figure strode in, commanding attention. Emma was shocked as she recognized Annic, her face contorted in a mask of fury In an instant, Annie strode over to their table and, without uttering a word, snatched Emma's core and flung it over

warning you for the last time, leave my

face, Emma's eyes blazed with anger that was barely contained. "I told you, I am

her voice venomous. "You are a manipulative liar. Emma

the table. Emma glanced down, her breath catching as she recognized her they were

not allow you to

Annie's threats; it was from knowing Annie was having her followed. Immediately,