Chapter 24 Their Farewell
Yes! But sadly... not anymore!
Emma felt like she lumped in her throat!
But ultimately, she didn't voice what had happened. What would be the point of telling him?
Could he somehow avenge their child?
But judging from his reaction, the drugging incident seemed unrelated to him!
He was the CEO of Harrison Group; no matter how callous he might be, he wouldn't stoop to scheming against her child!
Emma's eyes reddened, but she forced a casual tone, "Nicholas, what makes you think I'd ever have children for you?"
He gave a cold laugh, lips curling mockingly. "Since we're both on the same page about that, there's no point arguing over it."
"I know Grandfather won't accept Zoe anytime soon. I don't need you to do anything—just don't cause me any trouble."
So he was here to plead Zoe's case!
"Mr. Harrison, you're giving me too much credit. I don't have a habit of fighting over men with other women. As long as she doesn't actively try to harm me, no one wants to deal with her drama."
Emma looked at him with cold eyes, her tone resolute.
"Good that you see it that way!"
Nicholas felt relieved, though he couldn't explain why facing her right now made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
"Mr. Harrison, it's getting late. You should leave." Emma issued another dismissal.
But Nicholas showed no intention of going!
He irritably loosened his tie with one hand, revealing a glimpse of his solid chest.
In a commanding tone, he said, "I'm hungry. Make me something to eat."
This was the first time in three years he'd made such a request of her.
Emma froze for a moment, surprise flashing in her eyes.
Then she resumed her detached demeanor.
"There's not much in the kitchen. If you don't mind, I can make you some pasta."
"Fine."
He was economical with words.
Emma said nothing more and headed to the kitchen.
Nicholas walked to the balcony.
The night breeze carried the city's bustling noise.
In the distance, the Harrison Group tower's neon lights flickered in the darkness like a sword thrust into the heart of the city.
His gaze was fixed on a particular section of the building.
From this angle, he could just make out the general area where his office was located.
Too bad, she'd probably never know which floor, which exact position.
She'd never been to his company—not once.
In three years, she seemed to have never truly entered his world, but he'd never really opened the door for her either.
His expression grew complex—irritated, questioning, with a trace of loss that even he didn't recognize.
About ten minutes later, Emma emerged carrying a white ceramic bowl.
Inside was freshly made tomato pasta with a golden fried egg on top, garnished with a few basil leaves.
It looked simple, yet unexpectedly appetizing.
"Nice presentation." Nicholas gave a bland comment and sat down at the dining table.
He picked up the fork and twirled some pasta, bringing it to his mouth.
The taste was surprisingly just right—not too salty, not too bland.
Maybe because he was genuinely hungry, he ate quickly, though his movements still maintained impeccable breeding, radiating an innate elegance.
Emma stood at a distance, quietly watching him.
Seeing him with his head down, eating, her vision suddenly blurred.
She was suddenly reminded of her time studying abroad in Novara, when she used to do exactly this—hiding in library corners or behind café windows, secretly watching him eat.
Back then, he was two years ahead of her, the golden boy everyone admired, always surrounded by all kinds of beautiful girls.
And she was just the most invisible one in the crowd.
Her eyes welled up beyond her control.
Soon, the small bowl of pasta was finished.
Nicholas set down his fork and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin.
This was the only dinner she had ever made for him as his wife.
He had tasted it!
He looked up at her, his face expressionless.
"Tomorrow at ten, come to the office to sign the agreement."
"Also, I'll give you three hundred million dollars."
"Consider it compensation for these three years. The estate where you used to live—I'll transfer the deed to your name too. You don't have to stay in this cramped place."
His tone was as calm as if he were discussing a business deal.
Although she had said beforehand that she wanted nothing after the divorce.
But he didn't want to owe her anything!
Emma's fingers, hanging at her sides, curled slightly, her nails nearly digging into her palms.
She lifted her chin, her face still wearing that icy expression.
"Thank you, Mr. Harrison!"
Finally, he opened the door and left.
Aside from that faint trace of cologne in the air, it was as if he had never been there.
The moment the door closed, Emma seemed to lose all her strength. She slowly slid down to sit on the floor.
Under the lights, her eyes were red-rimmed.
She finally understood his purpose for coming tonight.
It was farewell!
Three years.
Three hundred million dollars! Compensation?
Actually, he didn't need to give her anything!
Twelve years. She had to stop here!
She had finally, completely repaid whatever debt she owed him!
The next day, 9:50 AM.
When Emma stepped through the revolving glass doors of Harrison Group tower, sunlight had just broken through the clouds, but it brought her no warmth.
Charlie was already waiting in the lobby, dressed in his standard elite assistant attire, wearing an impeccable professional smile.
"Ms. Rodriguez, this way please!"
There was no anticipated foolish drama of receptionist interrogation, no unnecessary scrutiny. Charlie led her directly to an elevator that looked distinctly different from the others.
The elevator's operating chime was low and pleasant.
The interior was spacious. After pressing the top floor button, the elevator rose silently at high speed.
Seventy-ninth floor.
When the numbers stopped jumping, the elevator doors slid open.
What greeted her was an overwhelmingly vast space. Passing by the executive offices, she caught a glimpse—he actually had six secretaries, five men and one woman.
At the door to the CEO's office, Charlie used his key card to open it.
Pushing the door open, the interior design was minimalist yet exuded luxury everywhere. The air was filled with a clean, subtle fragrance—she couldn't identify exactly what it was, but it made one feel both calm and distant.
"Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Harrison is still in a meeting. It should end in about ten minutes." Charlie's voice was steady. "Please have a seat. Here's the agreement—you can review it first."
Emma nodded and took the document, which wasn't too thick.
She walked to the sofa, placed the file on the coffee table, opened it, and went straight to the last page where signatures were needed.
Her pen glided across the paper, leaving her name decisively, without any hesitation.
She hadn't even looked at the terms—the outcome would be the same anyway, wouldn't it?
Holding the signed agreement, she didn't hand it back to Charlie.
A barely perceptible flash of surprise crossed Charlie's eyes, but he quickly returned to normal. "Ms. Rodriguez, let me get you some coffee. The CEO will be here shortly to see if there's anything else he needs to discuss."
"Thank you." Her voice was very soft.
Charlie turned and left, leaving her alone in the office.