Winning Her Heart Back

 You're my Wife

Emelie and Jodie emerged from the forest. It was obvious who had won the horse race today.

Charles, standing at the finish line, was grinning widely. "Ms. Pierce, you're late! Were you trying to let us win? From what I saw just now, your riding skills aren't that bad."

Emelie returned his smile. "The horse stumbled. These things happen. Seems like your team was the first out of the forest, given how happy you are."

"You're right!" Charles exclaimed. "And even 'worse' news, Ms. Pierce. We've raised 140 million so far. Whether it climbs higher or not, we're already close to my prediction. It's a double loss for you!"

Emelie chuckled. "Quite the loss. Mr. Davis, you owe me dinner tonight to soothe my wounded pride."

Charles readily agreed.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

As the event concluded, it was time to hand out the prizes. The first person out of the forest got to choose a gift.

Emelie watched as an unfamiliar man walked up to the antique shelf and claimed the Eros ring. It was no surprise. He held it up triumphantly, and the crowd applauded.

Emelie observed the scene passively.

By nightfall, the total amount of money raised had reached exactly 150 million, perfectly matching Charles' prediction. It marked the highest amount raised in a single-day charity event in Capebatt City's recent history.

The funds were transferred to the "Soar "foundation account, with the encryption key handed over to Charles.

That evening, Emelie joined Charles and other donors for dinner. The atmosphere was jovial, with several bottles of wine shared. By the time they finished, it was well past eleven.

Jodie helped the slightly tipsy Emelie back to the hotel.

As Jodie swiped her card and opened the door, she announced, "Ma'am, I'll make you some honey for the hangover."

Emelie reached for the light switch and spotted a pair of men's dress shoes by the entrance. Someone had entered her room in her absence.

Emelie said calmly, "There's no need. I'm fine now."

Jodie had also noticed the shoes and tensed. "I'll call security."

Emelie studied the shoes before walking into the living room. "You don't need to do that either. This is his favorite brand."

"Mr. Middleton, why do you always barge into my room like this? It's quite rude," Emelie said. The last part was directed at the man sitting on the living room sofa.

William looked up.

He had been there for some time. He had changed back into a black suit and dark blue overcoat. As always, he appeared cold yet distinguished, but the crossbow wound added an unusual touch of disarray.

William opened a small box, placed it on the coffee table, and slid it toward her. "I came to return something."

Emelie's eyes fell on the box, revealing the Eros ring inside.

It was unexpected, yet not entirely surprising. While the first person out of the forest wasn't William, he wouldn't let the Eros ring end up in someone else's hands.

Emelie sat on the sofa across from him, poured herself some water, and asked casually," Didn't you say you were taking it back, Mr. Middleton?"

"You're my wife, and that will never change," William stated.

Emelie raised an eyebrow. "I'll count to three. If you don't put it away, I'll throw it out the window."

William remained unmoved, and Emelie began counting, "One, two, three"

As she finished counting, Emelie slammed down her glass, grabbed the ring, and tossed it out the open window.

Jodie gasped. This was the twenty-first floor.

William remained composed and continued to watch her intently.

Emelie suddenly smiled, leaned back on the sofa, and opened her hand. The Eros ring was still in her hand. "Just kidding. It's worth 300 million. I couldn't bear to throw it away."

She tossed it back to him. "Put it away, Mr. Middleton."

William caught the ring deftly and put it back into the box. He pushed it toward her again." I'll trade it for an answer. If you answer me, it's yours."

Emelie, feeling slightly disoriented from the alcohol, rested her head in her hand and said lazily, "Did I say I wanted it? If I did, I wouldn't have used it as a bet today."

William regarded her intently and said softly, "A few words for a ring worth 300 million. Ms. Pierce, don't you think it's worth it?"

Emelie lifted her head. After they stared at each other in silence for three minutes, she nodded. "Yes, it's worth it. So, what do you want to ask, Mr. Middleton?"

William swallowed as his tone grew serious. "I examined the ring. It wasn't damaged, meaning it wasn't forcibly removed, but there are bloodstains... How did you remove it?"

Emelie curled her fingers, remembering the pain. She smiled coolly. "Didn't you already guess?"