Chapter 20
In the past, Athena had always spent the New Year at the Davidson family’s old residence, keeping Azrael company.
Azrael was now elderly, his heart weighed down by the loss of his son and daughter- in–law. He had grown quiet with age, leaning heavily on a cane as he stood alone in the yard.
Only during the holidays would Emmett bring Athena back, and it was then that the
old man would find some comfort in their presence, feeling less lonely.
But in recent years, eight times out of ten, Emmett would make some excuse about a
brothers‘ gathering or a business event, slipping away into the late hours.
Now, looking back, Athena couldn’t help but realize he must have been sneaking off
to meet Aliana in secret.
She rubbed her head, cursing herself for
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letting painful memories resurface yet again.
Having made the decision to leave the past behind, Athena knew she should have kept moving forward.
With that thought, she smiled softly, her gaze following little Eira as the child happily weaved through the crowd.
Meanwhile, Azrael, having just seen Emmett’s “masterpiece,” was overcome with rage. His face turned crimson, and with a sharp motion, he hurled his cane to
the floor.
His anger flared as he instructed someone to dial Emmett‘ s number, and his voice, low and thunderous, filled the room. It was a voice that commanded attention and held the others in tight suspense, each one afraid to break the silence.
“Emmett! Look at what you‘ ve done?! After all these years of teaching you to think before acting, have you not learned a
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Chapter 20
resurthing?”
At that very moment, Emmett sat in hist tok private hospital, coldly observing Aliana shoustruggle on the operating table.
“Grandfather, I’m clear–headed. I know iledsexactly what I’m doing. You don’t need stheto worry so much. This is just the first step en winning Athena back.”
just “Clear–headed, my ass! Just look at the “woublic outcry and the stock market; there crire better ways to fix this. Why did you urlehoose this one?!”
Emmett gritted his teeth, fighting the urge ruso interrupt, his frustration boiling beneath rahe surface.
ithead the
itter atta
Does any of that matter? I don‘ t care if I to bankrupt! Only by doing this can Athena ee my apology and maybe come back to ne!”
se ense
ence
nat you
di teach
Grandfather, I won’t let anyone who urt Athena go unpunished. I’m going to Vin her back. I’ll find her.”
lave yo
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Chapter 20
Azrael scoffed bitterly, “So, is the second
step for you to die to show your sincerity? Haven’t you been the one who hurt Athena the most?”
Silence hung between them for a moment, then Emmett spoke again, his voice heavy.
“…Anyway, I’ve already said I’d give my life for her. If Athena wants that, then I’ll die.”
Azrael sighed deeply, the weight of his words settling in. The two of them stood in silence, then the old man spoke again.
“Whether you live or die is your choice, but don’t drag that woman into an abortion. No matter how much you despise her, she’s still carrying an innocent life. Think this through.”
Emmett turned his gaze to Aliana, lying on the operating table, her face twisted in pain, and with steely resolve, he made up his mind.
“I only want Athena‘ s child. Isn‘ t that
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Chapter 20
what you want too? Once I find Athena, our family will be whole again.”
Without waiting for a response, he ended the call and strode into the operating room.
Aliana watched as Emmett approached, his presence as chilling as the Grim Reaper‘ s, an aura of coldness and murderous intent surrounding him. The fear inside her grew, clawing at her chest.
Her voice cracked, strained from her desperate screams, as she begged for
mercy.
“Emmett! Please, Mr. Davidson! Let me go! I know I was wrong! I’ll never do it again! Can‘ t I just kneel and apologize to Athena?”
Just then, the doctor, following Emmett‘ s instructions, lifted Aliana‘ s shirt and prepared to place the ultrasound probe against her belly.
With all her strength, Aliana writhed and squirmed, desperately trying to escape like
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a fish out of water.
“Ah, no, please! Don’t touch me! Emmett… don’t you remember? You were happy when you found out about this child! You‘ re the father; why are you so heartless?”
Emmett s face remained as cold as ever, and the smile that curled his lips was empty, his eyes void of warmth.
“Did I deceive you so thoroughly that you truly believed it?”
