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    “He is going to live,” Deana mumbled. Hearing her, Emery couldn’t tell if Deana was trying to reassure her or herself. “The doctor said he’s strong and otherwise healthy.”

    James nced at her, his expression tighter. “The doctor also said his condition is stable, but we have to wait for him to regain consciousnessb. /bThey can’t predict when–or if–he’ll wake up.”

    “But he is going to wake up,” Deana pressed, her voice breaking.

    James wrapped his arms around his mother, stroking her back. “Of course he will,” he said quickly. But Emery remembered the doctor’s actual words. Her father was still in aa, not brain–dead, but prolonged unconsciousness with risk of permanent neurological damage and high probability of being bedridden if recovery everes.

    James didn’t repeat that part. Neither did Emery.

    Earlier, both Deana and James told the doctor to do everything that he can to bsave /bAdam. They have the money and the means to transport him to any part of the world as long as he recovers. Sadly, there are things that money cannot buy.

    After what felt like hours in the hospital, James and Emery finally stepped out to get some drinks, leaving Deana at their father’s side.

    “You’re stilling here even though you’re supposed to be running a multimillion–dorpany,” Emery said. She knew the stock price had dropped after her father’s ident, but that was expected. Investors always reacted this way when apany’s future leadership was uncertain.

    “Grandmother already took charge of thepany,” James replied as he pulled out a chair for her. They had just ced their orders, coffee for him, a chocte drink for her. “You really don’t have to be here, Emery. You’re pregnant. This kind of environment is too stressful for you.”

    “I know,” Emery admitted.

    “I can update you with a call instead,” James offered.

    “Yeah,” she nodded. “You can call me anytime.”

    James hesitated, then leaned forward slightly. “Look, Em… I know you and Father-b” /b

    “James,” Emery cut him off. “You don’t have to bring up the past. I know where we stand, and I know what we’re not. But none of that changes the fact that he’s still my father.”

    James pressed his lips together, then bgave /bba /bsmall nod, “You look stressed. Is Logan making sure you’re at least getting some sleep?” His eyes flicked briefly toward her stomach. “You are pregnant after all. You should take care of yourself so I can already see my nephew,”

    “He is Emery said simply. “And we don’t even know the gender yet.”

    “Good.” James leaned back in his chair. “Nina came by earlier, but she barely stayed. She’s swamped with her family’spany matters and had to fly back to Paris tonight.”

    “She already called me,” Emery said. She knew Nina’s family was also dealing with an emergency that demanded her attention. Finally, she met James’s eyes. “I know this isn’t the best time to bring it up, but… do you know anything about my

    mother?”

    James blinked, caught off guard. He opened his mouth, but before he could answer, a voice cut through the hallway.

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    “Em?b” /b

    55 vouchers

    Both turned toward the sound. Their expressions darkened immediately when they saw Samuel walking toward them.

    “What the hell are you doing here?” James snapped, his jaw tight. He shot to his feet, cing himself in front of Emery like a

    shield.

    “1-” Samuel’s gaze darted to Emery, his words stumbling. “I heard about your father. I came to check on you.”

    “Samuel, what makes you think that you are needed here?” Emery asked, tugging at James’s arm to step around him. She wanted a clear look.

    Samuel looked worse than she remembered. He had lost weight, his face hollow. The dark circles under his eyes suggested nights without sleep. He looked unsteady, like he was carrying more than his body could take.

    “Well-”

    “Didn’t I already make it clear?” Emery’s tone sharpened. “We have nothing to do with each other anymoreb./bb” /b

    Samuel swallowed hard but didn’t back away. “I just wanted to see how you’re doing.” He shifted his hands and lifted the small container he had been holding all along. “I also… I made your favorite soup. It’s good for you. For the baby.”

    Emery rolled her eyes.

    Samuel caught her eye roll and spoke fast, almost tripping over his words. “It’s ck chicken soup. I used American ginseng, it’s mild, nothing harsh. Red dates, goji, ginger, a little shiitake. No wine, no dang gui, nothing the doctor would g for pregnancy. Low salt too. I kept the ginseng in a tea bag so the vor wouldn’t be strong.” He lifted the container ia /ilittle. “I skimmed the fat twice. It’s in a thermal jar and it’s still hot. This was all based on the recipe book that you used to read. Do you remember?b” /b

    Emery said nothing.

    He tried again, softer. “You used to make me ginger–chicken congee when I pulled all–nighters. Said it settles the stomach and keeps the head clear. I… tried to make something like that for you.” He nced at thebel taped to the lid. “It took a few hours. I wanted it to be right.”

    “I–I know there were misunderstandings between us,” Samuel said quickly. “You kept your identity from me, and I did something unforgivable with Talia. But can’t we at least… try to start over? We both know we still love each other, Em. I know, I know this sounds a bit too out of ceb, /bbut I am really willing to try to start over with you.”

    James let out a sharpugh. “Is this guy serious?b” /bHe turned toward Samuel, his eyes cold. “Listen—b” /b

    “James…” Emery tried to stop him.

    “No,” James cut her off. “It’s time he heard the truth.” He stepped closer to Samuel, his voice firm. “The only reason Emery kept her identity from you was because she wanted to prove to our father that she could marry someone who loved her for who she was, not for her money, not for the Be name. Something that you failed to do, you asshole!”

    “What?”

    Emery exhaled sharply, then stood from her seat. “James, our orders are ready. Let’s just leave.”

    Samuel’s eyes widened. “What did you just say?” He tried to shove past James to get closer to her, but James blocked him and pushed him back.

    b“/bYou really think she wanted to hide her identity from you?” James snapped. “She made a deal with our father. Five years. She wanted to prove that someone could love her for who she was, not for her name or money. She chose you. And do you

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    want me to remind you what you did in return?”

    “I-” Samuel started, his face paling.

    “Jamesb, /bstop,” Emery said firmly. “Let’s go. This isn’t worth it.”

    Before James could reply, a sharp, high–pitched voice rang out across the hallway.

    “Stay away from my husband, you home wrecker!”

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