Winning Her Heart Back

 A Better Match

"Just last night." Samuel didn't bother with formalities and sat down, then invited Emelie to do the same. "The moment the school announced its winter break, I bought a flight ticket and came back. I was eager to see the renowned Ms. Pierce."

Emelie was flattered and amused. She requested Jodie to ask for another pot of tea from the waiter.

She said, "Previously, to make the charade convincing, I asked you to go to Baliz to put on a show with me. I meant to thank you properly, but you left early."

Samuel explained, "I don't have much of a choice. That's the nature of my work."

"Your presence was crucial," Emelie emphasized. "Only with you there would William and the others believe I was the bride. William wouldn't have lost his composure and dashed up the stage otherwise. He ruined the wedding and the partnership between Arsen and Xanther Group himself."

Samuel dismissed the concern with a shake of his head. "He asked, but I blamed you. I claimed that I misunderstood the invitation and believed it was your wedding. I told him I wasn't aware of your intentions."

Emelie felt guilty. "I placed you in a difficult position."

She had basically asked Samuel to plot against his brother.

Samuel said, "I make my own decisions, so you don't have to feel guilty."

He noticed the unfinished cake on the plate in front of her and shifted the topic casually. "Is it good?" Emelie shrugged. "It's quite tasty, just too sweet. I don't really like sweets, so I couldn't finish it."

Samuel simply said, "If you want to thank me, you can treat me to a meal."

Emelie readily agreed. "Your choice. Order whatever you want. I'm no longer the teaching assistant who has to rely on Mr. Swanson to survive."

Samuel playfully responded, "Then I'll order myself a feast."

Emelie couldn't help but laugh.

The waiter brought the hot tea over.

Emelie wanted to take it, but Samuel was a step ahead. He swiftly poured it for Emelie. The aroma was rich and comforting.

As old friends reunited, there was much to discuss. They spent two hours at the tea house, enjoying two pots of tea before sharing dinner. It was well past nine in the evening when they parted ways.

After Emelie bathed, she sat down on the tatami in her bathrobe and dried her hair.

Jodie entered and put some essential oil into the diffuser. It was used to help Emelie sleep easily, considering how much tea she drank in the afternoon.

Then, Jodie said, "William has a personal doctor, making his medical records inaccessible to outsiders. However, after some probing, I'm sure it's not the flu. It seems like his health has declined over the past two years."

Emelie watched the mist spray out of the diffuser, filling the room with the scent of orange blossom. She stated calmly, "Whether his health is sound or not will become evident with further investigation."

Charles was an efficient person. Three days later, he reported the successful establishment of the charity foundation after passing the relevant departmental reviews.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Hence, Emelie started distributing invitations, inviting business allies to a charity horse race at the Capebatt City Meadow that weekend.

Emelie was trying on riding attire. Her top was white while her jacket was black.

She turned around and asked Jodie, "How does this look?"

Jodie responded sincerely, "Ma'am, you would look good in anything, given your tall and slender figure."

Emelie handed her phone to Jodie. "Take a picture for me to send to Mr. Cronus."

Jodie was taken aback. Even though she accepted the phone, she didn't raise her hand to take a picture even after some time.

Emelie was puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Jodie struggled to speak, and Emelie pressed, "What's wrong? You can tell me."

Jodie lowered her head. "Ma'am... do you really like Mr. Graham that much?"

Emelie didn't know why she asked this question. "Hmm?"

||

Jodie continued, "Mrs. Filo mentioned you and Mr. Inning being a better match. Mr. Inning cares about you as much as Mr. Graham. Back then, Mr. Inning even..."

Emelie interrupted sternly, "Jodie. Why are you telling me this?"

"I..." Jodie was at a loss for words.

Emelie found the situation perplexing. "You were brought to the Filo family by Wesley. You're his confidant, and I trust that you're loyal to him. I don't understand why you're helping other people undermine him."

After she gave it some thought, Emelie could only identify two possible reasons. "Do you think I'm unsuitable for Wesley? Or... do you like Wesley?"

Terror consumed Jodie as she knelt down. "Ma'am! I wouldn't dare!"