Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 66

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.

There was even a viral "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. Was she worthy of this image that the world built around her? Was stepping out from the shadows a good thing? Of course, the incident with Annie

and the worry that the eagle eyed people, may 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 at her.

"I can't believe it," Jaden said with a joyful sigh, 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 our time."

Emma forced a weak smile, her stomach churning at the irony. Yeah, lucky me," she murmured.

e event with

Jaden did not 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 best fashion stylists tomorrow. You need something glamorous for the occasion, Emma. Something that will make people stop and stare.'

Emma nodded automatically, though her mind was racing. Glathorous wasn't an option, it was a necessity. But not because she wanted to impress as regular Emma Black, the woman whose reputation had been tarnished by Annie's lies and Alexander's betrayal. She was coming in representing Emma Black, the CEO of WŽ Holdings, the only surviving daughter of the formidable Mrs. Elizabeth Walker,

Her mother's name alone carried weight in high circles, but Emma had forged her gwn path. It was finally time to claim her place unashamedly, to prove to the world-and to herself-that he wasn't a victim but a survivor.

"I hope the stylist has something really spectacular," Jaden said, will happy, completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. "You deserve to shine at this event. Everyone there should know how amazing you are."

Emma's lips twisted into a small, almost melancholic smile. If only he knew the full story.

Thanks, Jaden," she said softly, her voice laced with gratitude. "For all you've done." "Always," he said with a grin. "Now gu rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

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Chapter 66

As Jaden left the room. Emma turned back to her phone, staring at the posts and comments that filled her screen. Her heart thudded in her chest as she replayed words people had written about her; a woman of strength, resilience, and inspiration. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she wasn't alone. She might be terrified of stepping into the spotlight, but she was ready. Not just for herself, but for her twins and for her bullies. Emma set the phone down and leaned over to kiss Ethan's forehead. "We're going to be okay," she whispered. "I promise."

Annie stood at the door, her heels lightly tapping against the polished floof as Alexander's car pulled into the driveway. She was clutching her phone tightly in her hand; her nails dug deep into the cool, smooth case. Ever since the announcement. about the mystery W2 HOLDINGS CEO attending the Aurora Honors event, Annie had been on edge. Her heart raced in excitement and anxiety. It had always been the most highlighted event of the year for big shots like her, but now-with some anonymous yet strong person like the CEO of W2 HOLDINGS, it seemed enormous.

Her mind went to the perfectly tailored dress hanging in her wardrobe-the one she'd been planning months and months to wear. It was striking, planned to make her stand out, but now it seemed almost dull in comparison to the grandeur of what

top and this event promised to be. Tacky, she thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. Annie prided herself on being at the blending with the elite and befriending people of power. People such as the CEO of W2 HOLDINGS was the kind of people she loves to move with. She was so sure that their friendship was going to be a match made in heaven. She had to stand out She needed to shine.