Micah spat blood onto the floor, ignoring Jamison’s warning. He looked up at Emma, his voice hoarse but sincere. “Emma, everyone else is just standing by, watching you walk into the flames, but I’m the only one trying to pull you back. Yet you see me as the villain. One day, you’ll regret this–more than you can imagine.”
But Emma couldn’t take in his words–not now.
Even if she understood, what choice did she really have? The only path in front of her was straight into that fire.
Her heart was a swirling mess of bitterness and resentment.
She stared at Micah, feeling utterly defeated. Her voice was sharp, laced with mockery. “You call this kindness? Have you forgotten who pushed me into this mess in the first place?”
Micah fell silent, the words dying on his tongue.
An awkward, suffocating pause hung in the air. It was as if he suddenly realized how wrong he’d been. Shoulders slumped in defeat, he turned and headed for the
door.
With the drama spiraling out of control, Jamison knew it was time to leave as well. He offered a polite apology to Sheridan. “Mr. Carter, we’re truly sorry for the disruption. After your engagement party, the Shepherd family will come by in person to apologize.” With that, he took Ivy’s arm and the two slipped out.
The farce was finally over.
Emma watched Ivy’s retreating figure, emotions churning inside her.
Originally, she’d sent Ivy an invitation to the engagement party in hopes of showing off–maybe even rubbing her success in Ivy’s face.
But fate had a twisted sense of humor. Not only had Emma been upstaged, she’d been humiliated in front of everyone, and her ex had just caused a scene for good
measure.
What was supposed to be a romantic, blissful engagement celebration had turned into a complete disaster–a joke for everyone to laugh at.
And Ivy? She’d watched the entire spectacle, then left on Jamison’s arm, head held high, soaking up the envy in the room.
Emma didn’t understand.
07:27
Chapter 407
No matter how hard she fought, it seemed she could never win–even a single round. It was as if the universe itself was determined to keep her down.
Sheridan, noticing Emma staring at the door, misunderstood her silence. His eyes narrowed in cold suspicion. “What is it? Planning to chase after your ex?”
“No,” Emma denied quickly, forcing herself to look away and turning to Sheridan with concern. “Are you alright? Should we go to the hospital and have your wounds looked at?”
Sheridan didn’t answer, just fixed her with a shadowed, penetrating stare. Distrust was written plainly across his face.
Emma felt his suspicion like a physical chill. Her heart skipped a beat, and she clung to his arm, her tone soft and pleading. “Honey… what’s wrong?”
She tried to play the part of the sweet, vulnerable wife, but Sheridan wouldn’t even look at her.
After a few tense seconds, he turned to the guests, his face sliding into a polished, charming smile. “Sorry for the interruption, everyone. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening–eat, drink, and have a great time!”
He switched personas so quickly, it was as if he’d become a different man.
A heavy sense of dread settled in Emma’s chest.
Micah had left the reception hall first, but he didn’t leave the hotel.
He’d run into Ivy by chance tonight–there was no way he could just walk away without talking to her.
It wasn’t long before Jamison and Ivy stepped out of the elevator together and spotted Micah waiting near the entrance.
Jamison kept his arm firmly around Ivy’s waist, murmuring, “Ignore him.”
But Micah wasn’t so easily deterred. He stepped forward, calling her name. “Iv “”
Jamison’s expression darkened instantly. “Is there something else?”
Micah brushed past him, focusing on Ivy. “Didn’t you cut ties with the Windsor family? Why did you come tonight?”
Ivy’s voice was cool and dismissive. “How else was I supposed to enjoy the show?”
07:27
Chapter 407
Micah pressed his lips together, shame flickering across his face. After a beat, he muttered, “I don’t care about Emma anymore–really. I was just worried as a friend. I can’t stand to see her destroying herself. But she’s changed… She’s willing to sell herself now, for money and power.”
Chapter 408