Chapter 87 Preparing for a Global Livestream Proposal
Evening.
Emerald City, the Jackson family estate.
The dining room was brightly lit, the long mahogany table laden with an elaborate spread of dishes, their aromas filling the air.
Emma placed a piece of tender beef on Nina's plate, then looked up at Ruby, who sat at the head of the table, speaking gently, "I'd like Nina to stay and recover here for a while. Once her voice improves, I'll help her find her own place."
Ruby smiled warmly, "Don't be so formal, dear. Anyone who finds their way to the Jackson family becomes family. Rest assured, we'll take good care of her."
Evelyn's father, Daryl Jackson, nodded in agreement, looking at Nina with concern, "Emma, is the child's condition congenital?"
Emma shook her head, explaining softly, "I've examined her vocal cords—there's no physical damage. It appears to be psychological trauma causing the muteness."
"Oh, well that's a relief," Daryl sighed. "Such a beautiful young girl—it would be tragic if she couldn't speak."
He picked up a perfectly roasted chicken leg and placed it in Nina's bowl. "Nina, sweetheart, eat up! Make yourself at home—you're far too thin!"
Nina looked at Daryl gratefully, then began gesturing with her hands, making soft "ah" sounds, clearly trying to communicate something.
Unfortunately, no one at the table understood sign language.
Ruby watched anxiously, "Oh dear, what is she trying to say? I must hire a sign language instructor tomorrow to teach us all."
Daryl chuckled, making his best guess, "Probably saying thank you, or that she's happy."
Evelyn, who had been quietly eating, suddenly looked up and delivered a bombshell.
"She's asking if you could peel shrimp for her—a whole plateful!"
Everyone fell silent.
Night had fallen deeply when Nicholas's car pulled up outside the Jackson estate.
He stepped out, lit a cigarette, then pressed the doorbell.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Harrison, but the young ladies have retired for the evening. After ten o'clock, the master doesn't permit visitors," the Jackson family butler refused him directly.
Nicholas's eyes darkened. Even after his car accident, she couldn't be bothered to check on him.
It seemed she truly was heartless.
The truth was, Charlie's call had gone to the Moore Group's voicemail, and Matthew would never have passed that message along to Emma.
Nicholas pulled out his phone and dialed that familiar number.
No answer.
He tried again. Still no answer.
Perfect.
She wouldn't even take his calls now.
He drove away, tires screeching against the pavement with a dull, ominous sound.
The next day, Nicholas went straight to the Moore Group.
The receptionist tried to stop him but was intimidated by his imposing presence.
He strode directly into the executive office.
Matthew sat behind his desk and, seeing him, raised an eyebrow—unsurprised.
"Mr. Harrison graces us with his presence. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Matthew set down his documents.
"Where's Emma?" Nicholas cut straight to the chase.
"Emma?" Matthew spread his hands. "Not at the office."
"Where did she go?" Nicholas stepped closer.
"Mr. Harrison, that's Emma's private business. I don't believe I'm obligated to report her whereabouts to you, am I?" Matthew leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his words sharp.
"Have her come see me." Nicholas stared at him intently.
"As I said, she's not here." Matthew shrugged. "Mr. Harrison, if there's nothing else, you're welcome to wait in the coffee shop downstairs, or I can have my secretary escort you out?"
Nicholas didn't move. The two men faced off, the air thick with unspoken hostility.
Finally, Nicholas turned and left.
He could feel Matthew's scrutinizing, slightly mocking gaze following him all the way out.
Over the next few days, Nicholas tried everything.
He still couldn't see Emma. His messages went unanswered, disappearing into the void.
Emma seemed to have completely evaporated from his world.
She had deliberately severed all contact.
This realization made the nameless fury in Nicholas's chest burn even fiercer.
He stood before the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, cigarette in hand.
Smoke swirled around him, obscuring his expression.
His gaze traveled over the forest of skyscrapers to that small but achingly familiar balcony in the distance.
Where was she? Why was she avoiding him? Just because of that night, because his impulse had offended her?
Frustration gnawed at his nerves like ants.
He took a harsh drag and crushed the cigarette in the ashtray with such force it seemed he might shatter the glass.
Someone rapped at the door.
"Come in." Nicholas's voice was ice-cold.
Charlie entered, carefully gauging his boss's mood.
Yes, definitely the calm before the storm.
"Mr. Harrison." Charlie stood at attention.
Nicholas didn't turn around, still staring out the window.
"What is it?"
Charlie steadied himself and began, "Tomorrow is Galaxy Restaurant's grand opening. The ceremony is all arranged, but if we still can't find Mrs. Harrison..."
Nicholas showed no reaction.
Charlie continued, "And tomorrow... is also Mrs. Harrison's birthday."
Nicholas's silhouette stiffened slightly.
Birthday?
He had completely forgotten!
Charlie saw his boss react and quickly seized the moment, "Mr. Harrison, I think this is a perfect opportunity."
Nicholas finally turned around, his face expressionless, "What opportunity?"
"To surprise Mrs. Harrison!" Charlie's voice grew excited. "Think about it—Galaxy Restaurant is decorated so beautifully. If she knew you created this restaurant for her, she'd be thrilled! You could make a grand entrance, give her an epic proposal—or apology! Have everyone witness your sincerity, arrange a global livestream—it would be absolutely perfect!"
Nicholas frowned.
Global livestream? A proposal?
It sounded ridiculous when he couldn't even get a meeting with her.
Seeing his lack of enthusiasm, Charlie quickly played his ace,
"Mr. Harrison, haven't you remembered everything from your childhood? Mrs. Harrison would be so moved if she knew!"
The childhood memories.
Nicholas's expression finally shifted.
Yes! He remembered everything now. When he called her "Stella" at the event, wouldn't she be moved to tears?
She had chased him for twelve years—it was time to give her an answer!
From now on, he would make her stop running. He would be the one chasing her!
He looked at Charlie, the ice in his eyes seeming to thaw slightly, revealing a faint glimmer.
"Global livestream?" he repeated, as if evaluating the proposal's feasibility.
"Exactly! The bigger the better! Let everyone see your sincerity!" Charlie nodded vigorously. "With the whole world watching, even if Mrs. Harrison wanted to refuse, she'd have to think twice! The next day, Harrison Group releases a statement about your remarriage plans, and that Matthew fellow will be out of the picture for good. It's called burning your bridges—an all-or-nothing gamble!"
Nicholas fell silent for several seconds.
He needed an opportunity—a chance to make her stop running and listen to him.
Since she chose to hide, he would corner her until she had nowhere left to run.
"Do it." Nicholas finally spoke, his voice carrying unshakeable determination. "Make it spectacular."
Charlie's eyes lit up, "Yes, sir! Mr. Harrison, just wait and see!"
"Wait." Nicholas stopped him.
"Go to the bank. Retrieve the Angel's Heart. I'll need it tomorrow!"
Charlie, "..."
He wondered if he'd heard correctly. Charlie swallowed hard, suppressing his shock.
The Angel's Heart?
The pink diamond ring his boss had bought for a staggering $100 million at that Novaria auction two years ago?
A full 33 carats! The size of a pigeon's egg!
It had been locked in the bank's highest-security vault ever since, never seeing daylight.
Charlie's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes, Mr. Harrison! I'll handle it immediately!"
Charlie turned and hurried from the office, his steps slightly unsteady.
Alone in his office, Nicholas's expression had relaxed considerably.
Emma.
Tomorrow.
He was curious to see where she could possibly hide now!