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 a mask

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 felt like an eternity, and now, as if the

carefully worked out. Annie's tummy knotted. She had to get her

her hand instinctively

slowly, her expression composed, even as a storm

her sharp gaze locking onto Annie's.

to spill over. What she'd like to do was strike out at Annie-to rip this mask of sugary sweetness

undoing. Emma almost tasted the

you?" Emma asked, cold, her face

tilted her head slightly; the smile on her face was about as real as the concern in her voice. "How are

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Chapter 96

his way between them, his rich cologne freshening the air. It 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,

curtly, her voice clipped. She took a step forward, her body language

But Annie wasn't done.