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Chapter 73 – Unravelling Trust

Author: JAYNE
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-26 22:01:28

"Come in," Emma said without turning.

Lola entered carrying two coffee cups. "You look like hell."

"Good morning to you, too."

Lola set one cup on Emma's desk. "I saw the news. You exposed Nathan and Tim. The board tabled the vote. You won."

"I survived," Emma corrected, turning to face her friend. "That's not the same as winning."

Lola studied her. "When was the last time you ate something?"

"I don't remember."

"When was the last time you slept?"

Emma didn't answer.

Lola sat down. "Emma, you can't keep doing this to yourself. You're running on fumes."

"I don't have a choice. Rafael is still out there. Patricia is still out there. And Ace…" Emma's voice broke slightly. She steadied herself. "I can't think about Ace right now."

"But you are thinking about him," Lola said gently. "You're thinking about him constantly."

Emma turned back to the window. "He keeps texting. Calling. Leaving messages."

"Have you listened to any of them?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm afraid," Emma admitted qu
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