Chapter_16
Chapter 16
Abel rushed into the ICU, his heart pounding, only to see the shadow of someone vanishing quickly from the window. His blood boiled. “Seal the hospital!” he roared. “Catch that damn woman!”
Adrien, trailing behind, looked skeptical. “Isn’t Emmeline locked up in the utility room?”
Abel didn’t respond, his mind already made up. He darted for the elevator, determined to check the utility room for himself.
The group followed close behind.
Alana, however, wore a grim smile, her thoughts running dark. You’re done for this time, Emmeline.
When they reached the utility room, Abel immediately unlocked the door and flicked on the dim light. Inside, Emmeline was curled up on a tattered couch, sound asleep.
That mystery person wasn’t her?
Emmeline lazily turned over at the commotion, her eyelids fluttering open. She stretched and smiled at Abel, as if nothing was amiss. “You’re finally back.”
Abel’s heart skipped a beat, and before he realized it, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. Her small frame, the familiar scent of her skin—it all felt so… right. Yet something nagged at him. This wasn’t a recent memory, but the sensation of holding her felt eerily familiar.
Adrien, noticing the strange tension, moved to pull her away. “She’s my wife,” he said, trying to extricate her from Abel’s grasp.
However, Abel had already set her down, his mind still reeling. “Let me ask you something,” he said, his tone cold. “What did you see in my grandfather’s room last night?”
Emmeline thought for a moment. “I was with my kids,” she began, her voice steady. “Then I heard Mr. Oscar wasn’t doing well, so I rushed downstairs. There was a towel on his face when I arrived. I was just about to remove it when all of you came in. That’s it.”
Abel frowned, muttering to himself, “I saw the murderer.”
Emmeline’s eyes widened. “You did? Did you manage to track them down?”
“No,” he replied, his expression darkening. “But you’ve been proven innocent. You’re free to go.”
Alana, standing off to the side, looked panicked. “But, Mr. Abel, that person was Emmeline!”
Abel shot her a disgusted look and turned away, ignoring her frantic outburst.
Alana stood there, speechless. How is that possible? That woman was her!
Emmeline couldn’t help but smirk, knowing she and Brandon had pulled off their little act perfectly. Adrien, ever the concerned husband, helped her to her feet.
“Are you alright, my dear Em?” he asked gently.
Emmeline shoved him away, a sneer on her face. “Who’s your ‘dear Em’?!”
Adrien, unfazed, simply smiled. “I thought you knew. The paternity test is done. I’m the father of the children, not Abel.”
“Don’t touch me!” Emmeline hissed, pushing him away before she sprinted off, disappearing into the hall.
“Em!” Adrien called after her. “I’ll bring a dowry when I come to propose!”
The next day, police chief Derrick Campbell reported to Abel. “The suspect who harmed Mr. Oscar has been arrested.”
Abel’s eyes darkened, his voice laced with menace. “Who was it?”
Derrick explained, “It was a man with a small frame. He tried to rob the house, but Mr. Oscar found out. He came back last night to figure out what was going on.”
Abel nodded. “Take care of him. Make sure he faces the full consequences.”
Derrick saluted. “Yes, sir. We’ll show him no mercy.”
Once Derrick left the Ryker Group building, he contacted Emmeline. “Everything’s been handled. You’re quite the resourceful one, lady!”
Emmeline’s voice was amused. “The real culprit is that woman. It’s just a shame I don’t have any solid proof. But I can keep playing with her if she wants.”
Derrick chuckled. “Whatever makes you happy, Boss. Just let Mr. Benjamin know if you need help cleaning up after any… accidents.”
“Of course,” Emmeline said with a smile. “You’ve improved, Derrick. I’ll pass your message along to Benjamin. You’ll get your promotion within the next six months.”
“Thank you so much, Ms. Emmeline!” Derrick said gratefully, his voice filled with admiration as he bowed through the phone.
Life returned to normal the next day. Emmeline dropped the triplets off at kindergarten before heading back to her café. It was a quiet day as usual. The location was remote, and business was slow. But Emmeline wasn’t worried—she didn’t rely on the café for her livelihood.
As she hummed while brewing a fresh cup of coffee, the door to the café opened, and in walked her stepmother, Alondra Lane, dressed in a frilly pink dress.
“Oh, a rare visitor,” Emmeline said with a sneer, not bothering to look up. “Did you end up at the wrong place, Mrs. Lane? I didn’t realize Alzheimer’s could strike at such a young age.”
Alondra’s eyes flashed with anger, but she slapped an invitation card onto the bar. “I’m here to give you an invitation on behalf of my niece—the future lady of the Ryker family!”
“Invitation?” Emmeline scoffed. “Is she marrying Abel? Is this an invite to her wedding party?”
Alondra’s lips curled in a smug smile. “You’ll see,” she said cryptically before turning and leaving the café.
Emmeline stared at the invitation card, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. So, they think Abel’s marrying her, huh? We’ll see about that.
