Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 96

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Emma's heart raced as she clutched the hastily written note in her hand. The moment she heard that Adam Hersel had come out of his coma and was asking to talk to her, she didn't need any more time to think. The days of unanswered questions, sleepless nights, and endless speculation had wor her thin, and finally, here was a chance for answers-for justice!

With keys in her hand, Emma shot out of the apartment, deaf to the calls of her frail mother and the inquiring gazes of her children. She was at a loss for words, her mind already racing with what Adam was about to reveal.

She flew over city streets, her knuckles white as her fingers gripped the wheel tightly. Her breathing was shallow; anticipation pulled tight across her chest. The hospital came into view, and she barely registered the act of parking as threw her car into park and stepped out.

Emma's legs moved purposefully, her steps quick and sure, until she reached the door of the hospital. Then her pace faltered. Alexander and Annie were walking toward the same door.

she

The sight of them together sent a sharp pang through her chest. She tried to shake it off, pushing the memory of Alexander's kiss the day before into the recesses of her mind. This was not the time for emotional distractions. There were bigger things at stake.

She quickened her pace in hopes of passing them unacknowledged. Her head was held high, her determination unwavering, but a voice sliced through the air and stopped her in her tracks.

"Emma." Annie called, her tone sweet but laced with venom.

Emma turned to her, her expression neutral, though her pulse quickened. Annie being there wasn't only a bother-it was an

Dimen.

behind her, her face

was racing as she approached Emma. She couldn't believe her bad luck. That morning had already been at nightmare-Alexander's phone call confirming Adam's awakening had been like a death knell. She had spent the entire drive to the hospital in a silent, suffocating panic, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. Every second had

of distance away Annie stood the woman who could unravel everything she had carefully worked out. Annie's tummy knotted. She had to get her brain into fast forward. She couldn't allow Emma

smile strained, her hand instinctively going to rest on her flat

her expression composed, even as a storm

returned coolly, her sharp gaze locking onto Annie's. She didn't have time for whatever game

workers and visitors milling in the hallway served as a stern reminder that she had to keep her cool, even as her patience was worn razor-thin. She could feel the anger simering in her, threatening to spill over. What she'd like to do was strike out at Annie-to rip this mask of sugary sweetness right off her face, and now. But Emma knew better than to do

genesis of Annie's undoing. Emma almost tasted the justice waiting around the corner. She swallowed her

you?" Emma asked, cold,

as real as the concern in her voice. "How are you doing, Emma? How are the kids? Especially little Ethan?"-all

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Chapter 96

was a sharp. commanding scent, as befitted the man himself. The merest echo of last evening's encounter stirred in Emma's memory. unwanted and unwelcome. Her heart leapt a beat; for one still moment, her breath caught. Fast, she shook her head, resolutely focusing on the scene

fine," Emma replied curtly, her voice clipped. She took a step forward, her body language signaling her desire to end the conversation,

But Annie wasn't done.