Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 82 She leaned back in the tub , her lips curling into a tight , determined smile .

Let them mock her fainting .

Let them revel in Emmas so called victory .

In just a few minutes , the headlines would change .

The announcement would be everywhere : Annie Pregnant with Alexanders Child .

It was a risk , but it was the ace up her sleeve .

She was already picturing how things would now go with public opinion .

The story would now be worked to her advantage : she , the vulnerable mother to be , carrying the child of one of the most powerful men in the city.

Sympathy would drown out the criticism .

Emmd might have the money and power , but Annie had one thing nobody Emma do not have a connection to Alexander .

As the article dropped into cyberspace , her timer on her phone was buzzing , while her heart was pounding in anticipation .

She was far from being defeated .

Annie stepped out of the bath , wrapping herself in a robe as her phone began ringing and ringing constantly .

It was online , and comments started reeling in .

Suddenly , it was this rush of satisfaction that flowed in with the first ripples of the public response , and then the tide had begun to change For now , the game was back to neutral .But deep down , Annie knew she had to tread carefully .

Emma was no longer the quiet , unassuming threat she once thought .

She was a storm , and Annie needed to be ready to weather it .

Jaden woke up with a pulsating headache and a tummy that was churning with regret .

The nights excessive drinking still had its residuals clinging to him .

Every move was an effort .

He groaned as his legs swung over the side of the bed , pressing into his temples to try and quiet the pounding pain that was at least throbbing .

He dragged himself to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face before reaching for his toothbrush .

The instant the foam with its minty taste filled his mouth , his mind replayed in detail the events of the night before .

Emma , in calm , poised , utterly magnetic demeanor , had stepped into the limelight of the CEO of W2 Holdings and shattered every illusion he may have maintained about her .

Anger coursed through him , a searing mix of betrayal and frustration .

She had played him for a fool .

For months , he had thought she was just another ambitious woman trying to keep up in a world too big for her .

But Emma wasnt merely surviving she had been ruling the game all along , quietly and powerfully .

Jaden spat into the sink , his hands clenching tightly onto its edges as his reflection mocked him .

How had he missed it ? How had he let himself be so blind ? He stormed out of the bathrooni , quickly dressing in his usual suit and tie , though nothing about the day ahead felt usual .

He grabbed his keys and stormed out of his apartment , the heavy weight of last nights revelations pressing on his chest .

The drive to his office did little to calm his nerves .

He kept clenching the steering wheel , with each turn his knuckles turned whiter .

He hadnt heard from Emma this morning not even a text or a call .

More than anything , that set his frustration .

ablaze : she didnt care enough even to confront him or explain Pulling in to the underground parking .

Jaden stepped out with an air of determination .

As he walked into the towering building , he could notice the change right away .

The staff once indifferent or polite out of obligation greeted him with respect bordering on awe .

He ignored the hellos and the sidelor glances ; he strode right to his office .

He threw himself into work , trying to block everything out , but constant pings of emails and calls would not let him concentrate .

His inbox blew up with messages congratulating him , asking about the connection with Emma , or offering him deals for partnering .

He wanted to scream .

Instead , he silenced his phone and buried his face in his hands .

A shrill knock at his door pulled him from his brooding .

Come in , he growled , a lot sharper than he had meant .

Miss Zipporah Paul came in , her professional smile perfectly see Sir , the chairman wants to see you now , she announced 1/2 21:18 Tue Dec 17 Chapter 82 crisply 2K 53 Π Jaden let out a sigh and waved his hand dismissively .

Tll be there once Im done with this , he returned , holding up a file he hadnt even opened Zipporah nodded and left without a word .

Thirty minutes later Jaden reluctantly made his way to his fathers office .

He apped once before stepping inside , his face was a mask , but his heart was heavy His father was a man not known to be light hearted greeted him with a laugh one that sounded alien to Jaden Sit down son .

Lets talk the older man said , gesturing to the chair opposite him .

Jadens face didnt change as he did so .

If you had told me who she really was .

I wouldnt have said a word against her his father started , and his voice was tinged with rare approval It doesnt matter anymore .

Jaden muttered , eyes fixed on the polished desk .

His father , too caught up in his own excitement , didnt hear him or chose to ignore it .

The overnight surge in their stock price had put him in a jubilant mood , and he wasnt about to let anything dampen it .

Youve done well Jaden .

Bring her over for dinner tonight his father said , a broad smile spreading across his face Tm busy tonight Jaden replied flatly .

Your mother is already preparing dinner .

This is a great opportunity to consolidate our position , perhaps even catch up with the likes of Alexander Black When are you planning to marry her ? We need to make it as soon as possible .

Jadens eyes narrowed , his jaw clenching .

Last night , you told me to drop her at the event , he said , his voice bitter .

And Im glad you didnt his father exclaimed , laughing again .

El be expecting both of you and her twins tonight Jaden stood abruptly , his chair scraping across the floor .

Without another word , he left the office , his fathers enthusiasm ringing bollow in his ears .

Sitting on the edge of his bed , staring at the wall in his apartment later that night .

Jaden couldnt help but think .

How had he missed the signs ? Emma had been right there in front of him brilliant , fearless and he had treated her like she was beneath 22