Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 8

Chapter 8

She did everything she could do to shut it all out, anything that had to do with Mrs. Walker, to push the incident back, to continue living as if nothing happened. But a few days after, Marina approached her on her way home one evening. Her designer clothes and shoes glimmered under the streetlight, extending off the sleek expensive car parked beside her. She had an expressionless face, every inch of which oozed arrogance "I want you to keep away from my aunt. As far away as possible," Marina said with haughtiness in her voice filled with entitlement.

Emma's annoyance flared. "I have no plans to be in her life, to begin with," she shot back, all sharpness. For some reason not quite fathomable, every interaction with this so-called niece of Mrs. Walker made Emma detest her even more. Marina strutted around as if the world hunched over backward to humor her, and it made Emma ill.

"I know your plans," Marina hissed, her teeth clenched. "You're a snake, and I can see through your deceit." Emma's eyes narrowed. "I only saved her. I couldn't just stand there and watch a human being die when I could help." "And you expect me to believe that?" Marina scoffed, her lips curling in disdain. "Looking like my late cousin, of all people?" Emma huffily opened her mouth, about to make a defense, when Marina cut her off, her voice dripping with venom. "I know. you got that face done to get close to my aunt. How full of yourself! You must have done a thorough investigation into us and paid to have that surgery. But let me tell you something," she stepped closer, her words falling to a low threat, "I am not going to sit back and allow some worthless piece of trash to manipulate my family. I will do whatever it takes to protect my aunt from the likes of you."

Emma's mouth had fallen open in utter incredulity at the audacity, the utter cruelty of Marina's accusations. She was past words and any amount of apologies will not erase the disgust that now filled her for this woman.

"I don't know who made you this twisted," Emma said in a steady, cold voice, "but I have no intention of getting close to you or anyone in your family. And this face?" She pointed at herself. "I paid not a single penny to get it. I was born this way."

She whirled around, to quickly get herself out of the conversation, when Marina's voice cut through the chill. "Is it money you want?! How much do you want? I'll pay you off right here, right now.

Those words slapped Emma like an open-handed attack. She whirled around-her eyes ablaze, heart pounding in her chest Her ex-husband had almost said the same thing after he had chosen her so-called friend over her. And now this. Why did the rich always think money could solve everything?

Emma laughed bitterly, taking another step closer to Marina until she was almost nose to nose with her. "Tell me," she said in a low, hot voice. "Have you ever done anything in your life to deserve the privileges you've been handed? How much have you earned through your own hard work? If it weren't for your aunt, who would you and your family be?

Marina's eyes widened in the shock of it, yet Emma didn't stop. The anger swam inside her body, and she literally saw no need to hold anything back. "Before you talk to me about money again, think it through. I might not be as rich as you, but at least I work to have what I have."

Upon saying that, Emma turned right around and walked away, her heart pounding with anger.. She gave Marina no chance to respond. Done. She was done with people like her who thought they could buy or control anyone who didn't fit into their narrow, privileged world.

AAA

"Miss Moore, Mrs. Hayes would like to see you in her office." said one of Emma's coworkers, interrupting her as she carefully watered the lilies in the shop's front display.

"Alright," Emma said, placing the watering can back down and wiping her hands on her apron. Knocking first, entering second, the older woman was already there waiting with a slight smile. Chapter 8

+5

"I was told you wanted to see me?" Emma asked.

Mrs. Hayes gestured to the chair. "Take a seat." She opened her desk drawer and pulled out an envelope. "Congratulations, Miss Moore. You've been selected to represent us in the event called Wings of Hope: Supporting Cancer Fighters two weeks from now." Emma blinked in surprise as she took the envelope from Mrs. Hayes. At first, Emma's hands were shaking while opening it and reading through the formal invitation inside. She felt so grateful and disbelieving. Being selected to such a prestigious event was just a dream coming true. *Wings of Hope" was known for its work with cancer patients, and the occasion. typically consisted of larger corporations with big names that had been established many years ago. To be chosen at this level, as a new employee, seemed impossible. She silently vowed to make the most of this opportunity.

A smile arced in her lips, and her heart swelled with pride. "Thank you so much," she said, hardly containing her excitement. "I won't take this lightly. I'll give it everything."

Mrs. Hayes smiled warmly. "I know you will. You have proved yourself to be an asset to our team."

Curiosity got the better of Emma and she asked, "Which hospital will be hosting the event this year ma'am?

"The event will be hosted by Blackthorn Holdings."

In an instant, the smile fell from Emma's lips. The joy that had bubbled in her only a moment before washed away, taking the warmth with it, and leaving her cold. She unconsciously let go of the letter in her hand and she couldn't breathe for a second. It was almost as if the room had shrunk and squeezed itself in upon her. She heard Mrs. Hayes say something, but her voice sounded distant, echoing through the water.

*Blackthorn Holdings.* There was no mistaking it. That name... "His name.* Her past. Her nightmare. The one man she had spent the last couple of months running from-Alexander Black-owned the company. The same company which was sponsoring the very event she had been so excited about just seconds ago.

Her heart thudded painfully in her chest and her hands started to shake. The very mention of him brought a torrent of memories she had striven most conscientiously to bury: the love, the betrayal, the hurt of that bitter parting. She had promised herself never again to cross his path. The fact that he was coming into this country was already bad news on it own but, to be confronted with the thought of them both being in the same room, to be near him again would be unbearable.

"Veronica?" Mrs. Hayes' voice cut through her daze, concern etched on her face. "Are you all right?"

Forced, Emma nodded, though her insides churned. Her mind was racing for an escape. *I can't do this. I can't face him. Not after everything.* She clenched her fists, trying to still the tremor in her hands. Her thoughts swirled in a mess of fear and panic. "I... I don't think I can accept this," Emma stammered with a straining voice. "I think someone else should go instead of me

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