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.

"Strong Woman Challenge," inspired by her reputation as a tenacious and visionary leader who had taken W2 Holdings to unprecedented heights 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.

soon find a link to connect her to W2 Holdings had goaded her into making, this decision. But now, looking at this overwhelming attention, doubt clawed

jerking her back to reality. "And to think you'll be attending the me! You'll get to meet one of the strongest women of

weak smile, her stomach churning at the irony.

e event with

even notice her hesitation. He was already moving to 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 woman whose reputation had been tarnished by Annie's lies and Alexander's betrayal. She was coming in representing

was finally time to claim her

to the storm brewing inside her. "You deserve

twisted into a small, almost melancholic smile. If only

laced with gratitude. "For all you've done." "Always," he said with a grin. "Now gu rest. Tomorrow

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