The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 97

meeting felt long, and they talked about money from the divorce, taking care of the kids, and what would happen in court. Emma felt like Richard really wanted to help her. When they finished talking, Richard packed up the papers and looked at Emma with caring eyes. "We'll keep going, Emma. You can leave now. I'll make sure all our work pays off." Emma nodded thankfully. The room had heard all their secrets and plans for change.

When they left the restaurant, Emma felt stronger. The cool evening air felt nice after all the serious talk. She and Richard walked together, with the city noises in the background. But something unexpected happened.

Near the restaurant's door, someone stepped out of the shadows. It was a fancy-dressed woman who looked at Emma with both wonder and doubt.

It was Charles's girlfriend, someone from his cheating past.

The girlfriend had tried to follow Emma into the restaurant earlier but couldn't get in. She waited outside until Emma and Richard left.

"Emma!" the girlfriend called out loudly. Emma's heart jumped as her past suddenly crashed into her present.

walked between the tables. Emma looked confident walking next

other people eating there. She looked desperate as she ran toward

she recognized Charles's girlfriend - someone she'd tried to ignore. The girlfriend fell to her knees in front of Emma, making everyone in the quiet restaurant

stepped between Emma and the upset girlfriend to protect Emma. Emma

begged quietly. "I'm having Charles's baby, and

9 Ceshanted

feeling. "Talk to

scared of you-everyone knows that. He said you won't let him have a baby outside marriage. Please let me

crying now, kept talking. "Please, I have nowhere else to go. I don't have any family, and the doctors say if I lose this baby, I might never have another

Emma felt cold as she understood

crying. "Charles said you wouldn't accept such shameful things

"Get up. We won't