Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

A loud explosion boomed from below the cliff.

"Dakato!" I sprinted to the edge.

The air stank of gunpowder, and the smoke from the blast made it hard to see. When it finally cleared, I saw the dizzying drop to the wild sea below, but Dakato was nowhere in sight.

Everyone gathered at the cliff's edge. Dennis showed up out of nowhere, holding a gun. Looked like that shot came from him. Gideon's crew, seeing their leader dead, just gave up.

Faris was down on one knee at the cliff's edge, his bleeding hand propping him up, staring down with a mix of shock and pain.

The officer told Faris to get to the hospital to reattach his finger, but he refused, insisting on joining the search. I followed them down the mountain to the rocks at the bottom of the cliff.

The wind was fierce by the sea, waves crashing against the rocks, and the salty breeze had a hint of blood in it.

Bits of burnt clothing were scattered around, and even a severed arm, which belonged to Gideon.

Everyone searched everywhere, but there was no sign of Dakato.

By now, Faris had gotten over the initial shock. He stood still on a rock, staring at the sea, watching a group of officers, including Dennis, searching in the water. Suddenly, he jumped into the sea.

"Faris!" I shouted.

His hand was still hurt, and in this cold weather, how could he handle it? But he quickly dived into the water.

The waves were strong, and I anxiously watched the sea. Many officers came back empty-handed, but Faris hadn't returned.

After what felt like forever, his head finally popped up from the water.

He swam to the shore, sitting weakly on the edge, staring at the sea with a calm look.

It was in this heavy pain and calm guilt that he passed out.

His finger was severed, the wound untreated, and he had been soaking in the icy seawater for so long. By the time he got to the hospital, he had a high fever.

I stayed by his side, watching him burn with fever, his body twitching occasionally, muttering in his sleep. The hand with the severed pinky finger trembled from time to time, it must have been excruciatingly painful.

Faris was usually witty and humorous, sometimes a bit mischievous. This was the first time I saw such a vulnerable side of him. Watching him twitch occasionally in his unconscious state, I felt he seemed quite pitiful. In fact, he was indeed pitiful, just like me.

When he woke up, it was already dark. He stared blankly, lost in thought. I said, feeling guilty, "I'm sorry, this time it's my fault..."

Faris looked at me, pale-faced, and gently shook his head.

"It's me who let her down!"

When he raised his hand and saw the thick bandages, his eyes showed a moment of confusion, like it took him a second to remember he had lost a finger. "I'm sorry, Faris!"

At that moment, I didn't know what else to say except to apologize.

He slowly lowered his hand and chuckled softly.

"I have ten fingers, losing one doesn't matter much. Besides, getting rid of Gideon was worth it."

But it also cost Dakato's life.

Even though we didn't find the body, the police had searched for so long without finding anything. We knew in our hearts that Dakato was gone.

Because of the guilt towards Dakato and Faris, I became more rational in dealing with Ethan's death amidst the sadness. I had no choice but to accept reality!

A few days after Faris was discharged, a stranger showed up at the door, claiming to be a lawyer from Skyline International Corporation.

He said that Ethan had made arrangements a year ago for the 51% of Skyline International Corporation shares he held. He allocated 21% to me, 20% to Richard, and 10% to Jason.

The recent news of Ethan's death had caused turmoil within Skyline International Corporation. A large corporation was now in a state of leaderlessness. They were preparing to hold a board meeting to elect a new president. My significant shareholding would greatly influence the election results, and they hoped I would attend the board meeting.

On the day of the board meeting, I specifically dug out a professional outfit from my wardrobe, did my hair, and put on makeup to make my face look less pale.

Skyline International Corporation was founded by Ethan. Though he was gone, the foundation couldn't fall. If I couldn't pull myself together, I would be betraying his trust and expectations.

I finally understood why he always guided and encouraged me like a mentor, hoping I would become a strong person. Because he had foreseen that storms might come one day, and he wanted me to be capable of withstanding them when that day arrived.

After getting dressed, I drove straight to Skyline International Corporation. Although I had mentally prepared myself before coming, my emotions were still stirred when I stepped into Skyline International Corporation. Every time I came here before, it was to see Ethan, but now, he was no longer here. Everyone greeted me cautiously and helped me with the elevator. I went straight to the top floor, where their executive meeting room was. The door was tightly closed, and I could hear loud arguments inside.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Everyone stopped talking and looked at me. Under their gaze, I walked in with my head held high. Richard was sitting in the seat where Ethan used to sit, but it was clear the major shareholders weren't convinced about him taking control of Skyline International Corporation, which was why there had been arguments.

"Sorry, I'm late!"

I pulled out an empty seat next to Richard and sat down. The others questioned my presence, and the lawyer immediately stood up to explain. "Ms. Russell holds 21% of Skyline International Corporation's shares, so she absolutely has the right to attend this board meeting."

The major shareholders then began to express their opinions, mostly criticizing Richard for his lack of ability and action, arguing that Skyline International Corporation shouldn't be handed over to him, and suggesting their own candidates for the new president.

Richard, unlike his usual carefree self, remained silent, listening to their accusations.

I understood Richard's sense of helplessness at this moment. After all, with just his words, how could he convince so many opposing shareholders? Moreover, he was young and hadn't been with Skyline International Corporation for long, having not accomplished much. His apparent lack of ambition made the shareholders' opposition understandable.

After listening to their chatter, I calmly stood up and said, "I have decided to transfer my 21% of shares to Richard."

Richard looked up suddenly, staring at me in shock.

A voice came from the doorway, "I will also transfer my 10% to Richard!"

The room fell silent again as Jason walked in from the door. The lawyer announced that Richard now held 51% of Skyline International Corporation's shares, giving him absolute control over the company. The other shareholders had clearly come prepared to overthrow Richard today. My and Jason's support for Richard was unexpected for them. Some expressed opposition and even threatened to sell their shares.

I smiled faintly, "That's fine. I'll take as many shares as you want to sell. Skyline International Corporation has the support of the Emoire Artistry Group and can handle it."

It seemed that some people only now recognized me as the president of the Emoire Artistry Group, and they fell silent. After the meeting, Richard stayed seated, showing little joy over this victory.

I said, "Richard, you and Ethan are both part of the Windsor family. Starting a business is easy, but maintaining it is hard. I'm entrusting Skyline International Corporation to you. I hope you manage it well and don't let him down." Richard looked up, his eyes slightly red, biting his lip. After a long pause, he said, "Thank you, Emily. Thank you, Jason."

I felt a bit of comfort in my heart, saying, "Richard, this is the first time you've called me Emily so sincerely."

Richard looked guilty, saying, "Emily, I was immature before and did many foolish things. Please forgive me."

I smiled faintly, saying, "If I held a grudge, I wouldn't have supported you today."

Richard nodded, as if making a decision, and took a deep breath.

"I won't let you down."

Jason and I left together. As we walked out of the meeting room towards the elevator, I glanced at that familiar office, feeling a bit lost.

"Mr. Windsor."

Hearing someone call out, I was startled. Just that one "Mr. Windsor" made my blood rush. I turned around to see Richard walking towards me from behind.

My excitement and disappointment must have been written all over my face, so he came up to me and said, "Emily, my condolences."

I still held onto a bit of hope, thinking that maybe one day he would suddenly appear in front of me again.

As I walked out of Skyline International Corporation, it started to snow lightly. Jason said to me, "Emily, stay strong!"

I nodded and said, "I will definitely stay strong."

I would stay strong, but I would also be deeply affected by memories, miss him terribly, and never be able to forget him.

Another year was about to pass. I remembered that New Year's Eve when he said he would spend every New Year with me. Ethan broke his promise! In the end, I was left alone, learning to live with loneliness.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, on a whim, I went to a bar alone and sat at the counter, ordering a drink.

Without Ethan, during festive times, I could only envy others' reunions and feel no warmth. So I came here, to drown in the rock music, sipping my drink alone, watching people dance and laugh, hoping it might ease my loneliness. As I drank to a light buzz, I suddenly heard a woman's voice say, "I'll have what she's having."novelbin

The woman pointed to the glass in my hand. That voice was so familiar!