Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 40 Blackthorn Holdings didnt waste any time getting back to W2 Holdings .

In a matter of days , plans were underway .

Places and times , even the country where the meeting was to be held , were nailed down .

Emma really hadnt thought through what would happen when she hit send on that email .

There was just no avoiding Alexander now .

Dread and nervous anticipation swirled together inside her .

How would she keep her identity a secret from him ? How would she handle it , seeing him after them ? all these years , with everything there lay between Alexander had mercifully left the choosing of the restaurant to her .

After a great deal of reflection , she finally chose a Japanese Zashiki restaurant boasting strict policies concerning privacy .

The construction of the restaurant offered a feeling of security that she really needed ; one could dine in semi private rooms divided by thin walls made of wood .

Reflections could be glimpsed in the wood , but neither person could very well see the other without opening the door .

It was a perfect place to stay hidden and yet be able to communicate , allowing her to keep up the charade a little longer .

Yet , still small doubts nibbled perhaps he would recognize her voice or something too familiar in her presence .

And so she had a Plan B if things didnt go well , she would suddenly leave , pretend to be sick , or something anything that would not lead to a complete revelation .

In a week , the evening of the meeting finally arrived .

Heavy , relentless beats thudded in her heart as she prepared to leave .

She had hired a nanny to take care of her son , promising she would not be away for long .

Thrown upon her child sleeping peacefully was one last , long glance , as in a quiet reassurance , she whispered out of the door .

The drive was short , an eternity .

She arrived half an hour early , arking the rented car blocks away in case anyone happened to recall his license plate number .

With each step closer toward the restaurant , she felt her nervousness increase .

She ducked inside , thankful for the darkness that disguised her jumpiness , and sat down on the mat , taking several long breaths to try to still her heart .

Every faint noise the clinking of cutlery , the rustling of paper menus was magnified , and it whetted her appetite even more .

It wasnt more than a few moments later that the soft shuffle alerted her to Alexanders arrival .

Right on time , without fail Never a second too early or too late ; his precision was one of those things she would never forget .

The door slid open on his side , and though she didnt have a full view , the gravity of the air carried the sense of his presence , one that hadnt diminished over time .

Her breath caught , her hand shaking slightly as she lifted her teacup .

This was The waiter reached their table and sat her meal in front of her , the aroma of subtle cuisine wafting up .

She swallowed .

fighting for a voice that seemed to even out a little .

Focus , Emma She told herself again why she was here to talk about the future of their companies , not to dig up the past .

Emmas fingers quivered slightly as she readjusted her scarf , her heartbeat pounding loud enough that she worried someone might hear it .

All she could think was that she actually sat opposite him , just a flimsy wood divide between them .

She could see his shadowy reflection on the panel , a tall , composed figure every inch the commanding presence she remembered .

Her throat tightened .

She had found herself here all because of her despiracy to save her daughter , but now that she was mere inches from Alexander , old memories and emotions crept in , uninvited .

Alexander spoke first , immediately beyond the divider , his tone brisk and businesslike .

I assume youre the CEO of W2 HOLDINGS , he said .

His voice sent jolts through her , fetching images of nights she had slept under his roof with hope of a better tomorrow .

Yes , she said , her voice even , but the word was like an empty shell .

She knew she must be brief, measured .

The less he heard her voice , the better ..

Alexander leant slightly forward , his reflection blurring as he did so .

Then lets get down to it , he said , curt as ever I really appreciate you coming all this way , Alexander said , piercing ye restrained eyes .

It means a lot .

Forcing a polite sinile onto her face , hoping it concealed the humming tension within her , Emma said , Its fine * Speaking of my proposal to W2 HOLDINGS , I have a couple of les that I want you to go through .

12:54 Tue , Dec 17 ti 左 Chapter 40 「 白菜 冷 70 % 面 Okay .

She steadied her voice , but inside , her heart was a chaotic mess .

Stick to the plan , Emma reminded herself .

She had worked so hard to keep her identity hidden .

This meeting had to go according to plan ..

A heavy silence filled the room before Alexander spoke again .

If you dont mind , Id like to ask you a question .

Emma blinked and made a lousy attempt to hide her astonishment Yes , she answered furtively .

Who is Emily Smith to you ? Emma spat the tea into her cup , composure broken for a second .

She hadnt expected such a direct question , and her mind sputtered as she wiped at her mouth , recovering Shes.someone very important to me , she said softly .

Tears pricked the corners of her eyes , but she fought them back .

She just couldnt fall apart now .

The scowl on Alexanders face softened , but his voice betrayed the edge of bitterness she knew too well .

You wouldnt have replied to any of my emails if it hadnt been for her , would you ? No.

Emmas voice was barely a whisper , thick with emotions she had tried so desperately to bury A silence stretched between them , heavy with a mix of vulnerability and unspoken resentment .

Alexanders gaze remained steadfast , and Emma knew he was trying to unravel her .

I want to know more about you , he said finally , his tone soft yet stubborn .

The woman Ill be working closely with … What was your life like before Mrs.

Walker found you ? Emma froze , the beat of her heart heightening as memories she had deeply buried came flooding back .

One lone tear .

betrayed her and rolled down her check despite the effort she had put into not letting it .

Barely above a whisper , she replied , Dead .

She suddenly stopped , realising she was saying too much After you … The words slipped out before she could catch them , and her heart twisted as she realized what shed almost admitted to .

She corrected herself hastily , I mean , I was nothing .

I felt like a living dead .

An awkward silence stretched between the two of them , until Emma balled her hands into fists angry at herself for all but disclosing her past .

It was a vulnerable sensation- as though shed just handed him a weapon he might use against her .

Then Alexander spoke , in a low tone , yet uncomfortably near to her .

Your voice … it sounds familiar ..

Emmas heart skipped , and with a surge of panic lancing her chest , she managed to grit out , What ? The way you pronounce your rs … I could swear Ive heard it before , he reflected , his gaze suddenly narrowing suspiciously .

She forced a casual shrug , a weak attempt at brushing off his curiosity .

People say that a lot .

Did you change your name to your mothers … or leave it as it was ? As her heart rate sped up , she stabilized her gaze , determined to be in control again .

I believe we should revert to the purpose of this meeting , Mr.

Black , she said , her voice firm and resolute .

Lets talk about the futur e plans for our companies .

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