3

The Hugos family has lived on the Hugo Estate in New York for many years. The park remained accessible for opulent and powerful people like us. Our penthouse was one of the largest in the city, A famous iconic structure that seemed incredibly worthy of being possessed by one of the richest people in the city.

With a delicate ruby lip, I smiled as I got out of my car and made my way towards the luxurious building. I haven't spent time with my foster family in such a long time. Anticipation washed over me as I pictured how they'd react seeing me.

The double giant doors split and two maids in uniforms flashed me warm, welcoming smiles.

They were thrilled to see me again, and I could see the enthusiasm on their faces. I removed my shades and my heels clacked on the tiles as I made my way into the large sitting room.

"Welcome back, Emerald!" With great excitement, my sister Ursula put her arms around me and gave me a firm squeeze.

I tried to catch my breath after she released me from her hug

 Sorry" she mumbled, smiling from ear to ear.

"I'm so glad to see you at last. I feared you wouldn't leave Paris after spending so much time there," Ursula taunted, making me smile even wider.

The entire room turned to listen to the sound of someone clearing their throats behind them.

I whipped my head to the left and my face lit as soon as I locked eyes with my brother, Roberts.

He was a few feet away from us, looking dashing in his military uniform with a stony countenance on his face. He hardly smiles, and it did not bother me. Strolling towards him, I enveloped him in a hug. He hadn't changed much. He remained cold and ballistic.

"Good to have you back, Vanessa," He said, and 1 creased my brows as I looked up to face him.

The naïve Vanessa I was before leaving Michael has become someone else. I no longer go by the name Vanessa, but Emerald.

I was no longer the naive Vanessa who would grovel at his feet and beg for the attention of a worthless jerk while enduring his insults. It's been a long time since anyone called me by my birth name, Vanessa, a name I was trying to bury.

"I've told you several times to stop calling me that. I'm Emerald, Roberts!" I corrected Robert, and for the first time in years, I saw him smile.

"Emerald doesn't want to be reminded of the past, Robert. It's obvious the name Vanessa irks her because it reminds her of her healed scars and buried memories. You don't want those memories to resurface and those scars to bleed again, do you?"

Ursula taunted Roberts, supporting my words. She was right, after all. Since Michael threw me out of his home, I made a vow never to see him again. I returned to my foster family here in New York The ones who were there for me through thick and thin. They welcomed me warmly when I returned home, but eventually I took a flight to Paris in order to fulfill one of my greatest ambitions: becoming a jeweler.

Throughout my year there, I created a variety of exquisite jewelry and crafts, which has brought me a great deal of notoriety.

"Where is your father?" Given that my father wasn't feeling well, I requested.

I had to leave Paris immediately after learning about his condition. Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis, my father continued to oversee the company, and nobody in the firm realized that he had been ill the entire time, working tirelessly despite facing a grave disease.

"Emerald, he's not getting better." Ursula revealed a melancholic grin pricking her lips.

As I walked into his room, a few coughs greeted me.

"Father..." I mumbled as I perched beside him on the bed. Tears trickled down my cheeks when I witnessed him in such a condition.

I haven't seen him in a long time. While I was in Paris, I frequently paid them a visit here in the States, but I never stayed for long.

Dad has been managing our company here with the help of my brother, Roberts. They made Roberts the president of the imperial holdings, but his military work doesn't give him enough time for it.

Ursula, on the other hand, is a flight attendant and the nature of her job doesn't give her time to assist father at the company as well. Now I feel bad that we left dad to handle all the responsibilities.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I have no clue that you were ill," I said as I threw my arms around him. He caressed my cheeks and pinched my pointed nose playfully.

"You're not interested in returning to us. Your son has been eager to see you as well. You are aware of how much he misses you." I felt bad as I nodded in response to my dad's mumbling.

Dad was aware that I had thrown away my life for a man who did not give a damn about my well-being. I kept my foster family at a distance because I was so infatuated with Michael, something I now regret greatly.

"You reverted to your old self since Mr. Michael crushed your heart. An arrogant, bitchy, and vicious Emerald."

"Dad.. I don't want to be reminded of that idiot!" I snapped, pouting my lips while he chuckled and ended up coughing non-endlessly.

"Sorry dad.."

"How about you stay here in the States with us?

You need to build a cordial relationship with your son because he misses you so badly during your travels. I know you've finally achieved your dreams of being a jeweler and I'm proud of you. I'm no longer in a fit state, Emerald. My life will take a drastic change anytime from now. I don't feel as well as I once did."

"Dad, you'll be alright. Don't say that, please. I will ensure that I give you the best care possible.

He held my hands and flashed me a warm smile. Kelvin, my son, showed up in the room with Roberts and Ursula. My face lit up as I saw my son. With delight, my five-year-old son scampered over to me, and I knelt down to his level to hug him. Tears welled up in my eyes as I showered him with kisses.

"I've missed you a lot mom, please don't leave me behind again. Grandpa has been taking good care of me and now he's ill. I Don't like staying with the nannies. I want you to take care of me, mom.."

He implored, staring at me with large doe eyes that sparkled like there were hidden stars in it.

"Mom has come to stay. Okay.. I won't leave for Paris again.." I replied, giving him a last kiss on the cheek.

"Emerald," my dad stated, breaking the silence that had ensued.

"Why don't you manage our jewelry company?

Your late mother started it, and I've been running it since she passed. The company has thrived, but my health no longer permits me to lead it. I trust your abilities. Your success as a designer, especially through your collaboration with the renowned Parisian jeweler, shows you have the talent. Why not bring those skills to our company?"

"Roberts can no longer function as the president because of his military work, and Ursula is a flight attendant. She will relocate to Australia soon with her family. You're the capable one to handle this business, Emerald."

Dad announced, and I took a deep breath, absorbing his words. He was right; people often called me the goddess of design because of my exceptional skills. Observing my dad's leadership of the jewelry company, I decided to move to France to collaborate with the world's greatest jeweler and learn the art of jewelry making.

He has consistently supported me over the years. When I was a teenager, he and Mom adopted me, and Robert and Ursula have always treated me like their own sibling.

The Hugo's were a prominent family in New York City, though not everyone knows I am part of it. They are a high-profile, respected family owning one of the best jewel companies in the States.

Since its establishment, the Imperial Company has earned a reputation for its iconic jewel designs.

The majority of our jewels are millions of dollars' worth and are crafted mostly from pure gold, diamonds, and gemstones. Since I've gained more understanding about jewelry creation in France, I wouldn't contest my suitability for the position of the company's manager.

"Our company has had several requests for a partnership from many other companies. Among them was the M&M company owned by Sir Michael. His proposal has not been authorized since I intend to appoint you as the new manager. What do you say?"

My eyes widened when my dad asked, and I was stunned by the mention of Michael's name.

I couldn't respond because I was too dazed.

Just then, Roberts held my shoulders and said, " You'll benefit much from this offer, Emerald. Don't let this chance pass you by. If God permits, utilize your power against those who have harmed you and dared go against your way, Emerald. Take the Michaelson family for an illustration."

The words Robert spoke resonated deeply within me. Rage shot through me as I thought of getting even with my ex-husband. I have made a self-promise to exact retribution on my wrongdoers As I watch them fail, I want them to bow down before me and acknowledge their errors. I want justice for the pain Michael caused me, both physically and mentally.

"I didn't ask you to interfere in this, Roberts. I'm only giving her this position because she's well suited to the post and not because of some revenge scheme." My dad said to Roberts before turning to face me.

"What do you say, Emerald? Do you accept it?!"

My dad asked, and I breathed deeply before responding, "Yes. I accept it..."

"There is an auction you need to attend, emerald.

The jewelry industry hosts an annual event to honor designs created by elite brands, and we're honored to be one of them. If not for my health, I would have been delighted to go. I'll let everyone know that you are now the official chairwoman of our organization,

"I want you to represent the imperial company at the auction and I want you to disclose your identity as the New chairwoman to them," my father disclosed, and my eyes sprang wide like saucers.

Wow! That was quick... I wasn't expecting it.

"Where will the event take place and when?"

"Next month at the Mariano empire, Emerald.

Hilda, my secretary, will forward all the details to you via email."

"Okay thanks dad. I'll do my best to make you proud." "I trust you, Emerald.."

Leaving for my room, I called the secretary, Hilda, and asked her to forward the list of those that will be attending the event. She forwarded it after a short while, and when I saw the Michaelson family among them, a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips..

Can't wait to see you this time around, Michael.....

Indeed, revenge is best served cold.