Chapter 319 Power Play

Chapter 319 Power Play
Emma's POV

I stepped outside, shaking my arm that had just slapped Ryan. It still felt numb, but I didn't regret my actions. This wasn't impulsive—it was calculated. I wanted Ryan to understand clearly: I am not someone to be messed with.

Despite my bold stance, I knew I needed help. I pulled out my phone and dialed Nora's number.

When Nora answered, her voice sounded lazy, clearly having been woken up. I didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"Miss Blackwell, are you available to meet?" I asked directly.

"Sure, I'll tell you where," she replied without hesitation.

I glanced around at my surroundings. "Actually, there's a coffee shop nearby. Would that work?"

Thirty minutes later, I was still waiting at the coffee shop when Nora finally arrived. She rode in on a motorcycle, dressed casually but exuding a cool, badass vibe that immediately reminded me of Blake on his bike. I couldn't help but think that if I hadn't caught Blake's eye first, someone like Nora might have been by his side instead.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Nora said, sliding into the seat across from me.

Although I knew about Nora's history with Blake, I didn't dislike the woman.

"I've barely slept these past few days," she continued. "Today was my first chance to get some rest when you called."

I cut to the chase. "I want to know Ryan's weakness."

Nora's eyebrows shot up. "You want leverage against him?"

"It's just a defensive measure," I explained. "I need to protect a friend."

Nora hesitated, weighing her options. "Betraying him? He is my nephew after all."

I studied Nora's face. "I think you don't approve of what he's doing either."

Nora sighed. "I'll think about it and get back to you."

The entire meeting lasted only three minutes before Nora left, her motorcycle roaring as she pulled away.

Later that day, I drove to the address Rachel had provided. As I approached, I could hear Annie's cries for her mother.

"Has she been crying the whole time?" I asked the caretaker with concern.

"No, she stops when she gets tired," the woman replied nonchalantly.

I felt terrible. An innocent child was suffering because of adult conflicts. I'm terrible.

When I pushed open the door, Annie's cries immediately stopped. The little girl turned, hoping to see her mother, but her face crumpled with disappointment when she recognized me instead.

Annie ran over and wrapped her arms around my legs. "Miss, can you take me to find my mommy?"

I gently stroked Annie's head. "...Yes!"

Annie tightened her grip on my legs. Just as I bent down to pick her up, a commotion erupted outside. Seconds later, several men in black suits burst into the room.

I clutched Annie protectively, eyeing the intruders who stood watching us without making any further moves. Hurried footsteps approached, followed by a woman's voice.

"Annie, don't be afraid, mommy's here," Victoria called out urgently.

She rushed in and snatched Annie from my arms, pushing me away in the process. I watched Victoria's performance with inner contempt.

Victoria covered Annie's face with kisses before turning to glare at me. "Emma, I trusted you so much and even let Annie be friends with you. How could you use our affection and trust to hurt us?"

"She didn't hurt me," Annie objected innocently.

Victoria's face froze momentarily before she pulled Annie closer and burst into theatrical tears. I realized the men in black suits were merely actors Victoria had hired for this charade. Victoria's performance was over, but my troubles were just beginning.

Later, I found myself facing Charles.

"Miss Garcia, I believe you know why I've asked you here?" he inquired calmly.

I saw through Victoria's elaborate setup. "Mr. Blackwell, do you want to know why I supposedly kidnapped your daughter?"

Charles didn't resort to violence; he'd simply requested a meeting. I suspected his leniency stemmed from guilt over what he'd done to my parents.

"You're not simply seeking revenge, and even if you were, you wouldn't target a child," Charles said, absently playing with a stress ball.

He gestured for me to sit, suggesting we negotiate terms like the "old hand at the game" he was. I understood he wanted whatever Blake had left with me.

"I want Parker Clark to be released safely," I stated firmly.

"Just for a male model?" Charles questioned skeptically.

"He's not the man you really want," he added, studying my reaction.

I feigned sadness. "True, but the one I want is gone. Having someone who looks like him would be some comfort."

Charles readily agreed to my terms, but made it clear: "This is an equal exchange."

"I want what Blake left with you," he said directly.

I countered, "Can you bring my parents back to life? You owe them two lives."

Charles stiffened. "Perhaps you should ask for something more practical."

"I don't need money," I replied flatly.

"You don't need money, but wouldn't more be better?" Charles suggested.

I looked away dejectedly. "Money, no matter how much, can't give me the warmth I seek."

Charles changed tactics. "Let's trade people for things, how about that?"

"You just agreed to give me Parker," I pointed out. "Now you're using him as a bargaining chip?"

"Don't play word games with me," Charles warned. "Hand over what Blake left you, and we'll have peace in our world."

I scoffed. "Otherwise, Mr. Blackwell, are you planning to eliminate me or go on a rampage?"

"Don't make me send you to reunite with your parents," Charles threatened coldly.

I remained unfazed. "If I were that easy to deal with, you wouldn't be wasting your breath talking to me."

Charles stared at me for a long moment before finally saying, "Show her out."

As I left, I spotted Aiden waiting by the door. He had come specifically to see me.