Chapter 8 - The Woman Who Refused To Become A Billionaire's Shadow
The world discovered the truth.
Victor gave testimony.
Richard was charged with conspiracy, fraud, murder, and obstruction.
Arthur Kane was arrested overseas.
The Carter family's name began recovering.
But Emma refused to return to her old life.
She didn't want her father's company.
She didn't want Victor's money.
She wanted her own future.
She launched a small foundation for families destroyed by financial crimes.
Victor supported her.
But he never controlled it.
One evening, Emma told him, "I need something from you."
"Anything."
"Don't buy me anything."
He smiled.
"That may be difficult."
"I'm serious."
"All right."
"I want to build something myself."
Victor nodded.
"Then build it."
Months passed.
Their relationship became stronger.
Emma moved out of the Blackwood estate.
Not because she wanted to leave Victor.
Because she needed to choose him freely.
Victor respected it.
For the first time in his life, he learned that love wasn't possession.
It was freedom.
Eventually, he proposed.
No cameras.
No press.
No extravagant event.
Just the two of them on the terrace.
He held out a ring.
Emma stared.
"Victor."
"Before you answer, understand something."
She waited.
"This ring does not buy anything."
She smiled.
"I know."
"I'm not asking for repayment."
"I know."
"I'm asking you because I want to spend the rest of my life earning the right to stand beside you."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Then yes."
They kissed beneath the stars.
But peace did not last.
Emma received an anonymous letter.
Inside was one sentence.
"Isabel wasn't the only victim."
Attached was another photograph.
A woman Emma didn't recognize.
Behind her was a hospital.
Victor looked at the image.
His expression changed.
"I know her."
"Who?"
"Isabel's sister."
Emma stared.
"She died years ago."
Victor shook his head.
"No."
He pointed to the date.
The photograph was recent.
Someone had been keeping Isabel's sister alive in secret.
May you like
Why?
And by whom?
