Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

66

Emma froze. Her heart skipped a beat then picked up at a frantic pace. Her fingers unconsciously clutched at the fabric of her skirt as she worked on keeping a neutral expression They are talking about me..."

She had, in fact, given her legal team the go-ahead to announce her public appearance at the Aurora Honors. It was a calculated move in order to control the narrative and prove she wasn't the weak, defeated woman the media had painted her after the scandals involving Annie and herself. But she hadn't expected the news to spread like wildfire so fast. Nor had she anticipated this sort of reaction on Jaden's part.

"She's going to the Aurora Honors this year!" exclaimed an excited Jaden. "Can you imagine it? The CEO of W2 Holdings, the genius behind one of the most successful companies in the world finally showing her face? She's a one-in-a-billion kind of

woman.

Emma seniled faintly, but her chest was heavy. She watched Jaden speak so admirably and energetic, and for a moment. thought to tell him the truth. That the "one-in-a-billion" woman he was so eager to meet was sitting right in front of him. But she bit it back. No, it was better for everyone to find out in the same time and on the same day.

Emma reached for her phone, needing a distraction from her spiraling thoughts. She opened her social media feed, and right there it was-her name, or rather the name of W2 Holdings, dominating every headline and trending topic. Posts deluged her screen, congratulating the announcement of the mysterious CEO's attendance at the prestigious Aurora Honors.

despite the challenges she'd faced. People were posting photos of themselves in power stances, sharing stories of resilience and courage, all in her honor. Emma's breath caught in her throat. This is what they see in me It was all too heavy in her thoughts. Was she worthy of this image that the world built around her? Was stepping out from the shadows a good thing? Of course, the incident

that the eagle eyed people, may soon find a link to connect her to W2 Holdings had

it," Jaden said with a joyful sigh, jerking her back to reality. "And to think you'll be attending the me! You'll get to meet one

her stomach churning at

e event with

the next point. "Oh, and talking about the event, we have to get you the best gown for it He straightened himself. "We are going to see one of the best fashion stylists tomorrow. You need something glamorous for the occasion, Emma. Something that will make people stop and

the woman whose reputation had been tarnished by Annie's lies and Alexander's betrayal. She was coming in representing Emma Black, the

finally time to claim her place unashamedly, to prove to the world-and to herself-that he wasn't a victim but

completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. "You deserve to shine at this event. Everyone there

almost melancholic smile. If only he

gratitude. "For all you've done." "Always," he said with a

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