Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 135

Jaden sat dumbfounded, his knuckles white as he clutched the cage of his desk, as his secretary's phone played the news feed live. The chaotic scene felt like a nightmare he couldn't wake from. He dialed Emma's number again and again with a trembling hand, just praying she'd answer. Every ring in his ear felt like a dagger stabbed into his heart.

"Pick up, Emma... please," he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear. He hoped this was just a joke.

But there was no response. The phone continued to ring until it went to voicemail. He stared blankly at the screen for a moment, his chest tightening. Then he saw it happen: the 69th floor, her floor, was suddenly engulfed in flames and smoke. Jaden's vision blur with hot tears streaming down his cheeks. His breathing hitched, and a strangled sob escaped his lips. He rose angrily, the chair scraping noisily across the floor. His heart ached with uncontrollable pain.

The thought of waiting was killing him; he needed to be nearer to Emma, even if it meant being confronted with a terrifying truth. He snatched his jacket and, without saying a word, stormed out of his office, barking orders at his assistant for the next available flight. The hallway outside his office was sad, heavy with the echoes of every step he took. He hardly even saw Jake leaning casually against the wall until Jake stepped into his path.

"Well, well," Jake drawled, a smug grin plastered on his face. "Where to, brother? Off to save the damsel in distress?" His tone was mocking.

Jaden froze, his jaw clenching. His anger was boiling. His fists clenched 1 at his sides as he turned to Jake, his eyes ablaze.

"Get out of my face," Jaden growled through gritted teeth.

Jake's grin broadened; his amusement only grew higher with Jaden's reaction. "Touchy, aren't we? Don't tell me..."

Before Jake could get the words out, Jaden walked past him with such force that Jake almost stumbled. He really didn't have time for Jake's stupidity. Not now.

He didn't care about Jake's sneers or the pitiful stares of the staff he passed. All he could think about was Emma.

The thought of losing her forever was unbearable.

AAAAA

Brandon sat in Emily's hospital room. The live news played on, the footage capturing the horrifying moment the 69th floor of W2 Holdings exploded. His heart dropped as he watched the fire and soot consumed the upper levels of the building. "No. Emma." he whisper shout, his voice breaking as fear clutched at his throat.

the courage to confess his feelings to her. He had told her everything, how he had loved her silently for years, how he admired strength and sadly,

tidal wave, and he grabbed his head between his

sharp pang of sorrow pierced his heart at the thought of Diana who had loved him too and died, and now Emma, too, was gone, just a day after he had confessed his

taken from

bed where little Emily lay sleeping. Her tiny chest rose and fell steadily. Tears blurred his vision as he thought about

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searching for someone. Brandon reached out and laid his big hand over her small one. Tears streamed down his face, and silently he made a promise with himself that he would stand by Emily, Ethan, and Mrs. Walker come what may. He

not when he was needed now more than ever by the people Emma had left behind; Ethan and Mrs. Walker. He couldn't fly

up his phone and dialed nurse Kelly's number, telling her not to let Mrs. Walker know about the

ΔΑΛΛΑ

men suddenly came into the room, looking shocked and

a bomb," one of them

broad

nodded 'solemnly. "The Diana House was

Immediately, fear was replaced by something darker, a twisted sense of satisfaction.

thought, the realization washing over her like a sweet melody.

will be nothing in the business world. She will be the same failure she has been with her father's company The thought that Emma might lose everything while Annie hadn't so much as lifted a finger sent her over the moon. This victory was one not even planned for, yet fell

she whispered to herself, looking in Jim's direction. He

ordered coldly, without

men nodded and dragged Jim away as Annie smoothed her dress, her mind already moving on to the next step. She flagged a passing taxi and made sure to

not as wide as the scene came into view, the building wasn't

her heart leapt again. The headlines reported that Emma Black herself had been inside