บททั้งหมดของ The CEO Billionaire Collection: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

I strode into the house, my mind a tangled mess, predominantly occupied by thoughts of Alexandra's unexpected appearance in Maple Falls. It was crucial to talk to Emma, to share and perhaps validate my unease.Making my way to the home office, where I expected to find Emma deep in her usual festival planning, I gently pushed the door open, ready to speak. But the scene before me halted my words. Emma was in the midst of a Zoom call, her attention fully captured by the laptop screen. I paused at the threshold, silently observing.There she was, confidently leading a discussion with the mayor and other town leaders. I leaned against the doorframe, a silent spectator to her professional expertise. Her voice, clear and assertive, filled the room. "Thank you all for joining on such short notice," she said. "With the festival starting tomorrow, I wanted to ensure we're all on the same page regarding the new layout and the last-minute vendor changes.”I stood there, unnoticed, at the doorway,

I arrived at the Taste of Maple Falls Festival just as it was beginning to stir to life. The morning had transformed into a bustling afternoon filled with the rich aromas of local cuisine and the vibrant chatter of an excited crowd. As I navigated through the swelling throngs of people, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride mixed with astonishment. Emma had outdone herself; the festival was not just a local event. It was a sensation.Walking past the various stalls, I overheard snippets of conversations, people marveling at the arrangements and the variety on display. They were from all over the country, drawn to our small town by the promise of something extraordinary. Emma had turned Maple Falls into a destination, and the realization was both impressive and overwhelming.I stopped at a stall showcasing some of the finest local produce and sampled a delicately flavored apple pie, the taste a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. As I enjoyed the treat, I was approached by several

As I parked outside my house, the weight of the day's events pressed heavily on me. The revelation of the festival scandal, coupled with Alexandra's move, had left me reeling. I was still trying to process it all when my phone rang with my parents' number flashing on the screen. Christ – of course, Alexandra made sure to send my parents a link to the article. Taking a deep breath, I answered, knowing this wouldn't be an easy conversation."Liam, what in the world were you thinking?" my father's voice thundered through the phone, heavy with disappointment and anger."Dad, please let me explain—" I started, but he cut me off."There's no excuse for this sort of deceit, Liam! Pretending to be in a relationship for the sake of securing your position in the inheritance? It's not only dishonest, it's disgraceful!"I felt a lump form in my throat. The truth was, part of my agreement to go along with this façade was indeed influenced by my desire to secure my place in the family's inheritance

Three months later…From the cool morning light streaming through the windows of my house, I knew it was going to be another beautiful day in Maple Falls. Sitting at my desk, I clicked open an email from my family. It was the first since the whole debacle with Emma and me was revealed to the town. The words on the screen were cautiously optimistic – while they were still not pleased about the deception, they acknowledged my efforts in making an honest life in Maple Falls and were open to revisiting the matter of my inheritance. A small smile tugged at my lips; their approval was a welcome change.Closing the email, I leaned back in my chair, the morning sun warming my face. The truth was, I had become so engrossed in my life here that the lure of the inheritance had dimmed. My work in town alongside Emma brought a sense of fulfillment that money couldn't match. We were building something real and lasting, not just for ourselves but for the whole community.As I stood up, stretching my

Derek sauntered past me, allowing a smirk to curl up on one side of his mouth. "Always a pleasure, Emily," he said, his eyes lingering on me in that same, annoyingly familiar way.I held back an eye-roll. "Derek." A beat. "Goodbye."Once he was gone, the weight of the room settled heavily, almost tangibly, around Adrian. He continued to brood by the window, lost in the rain-swept panorama of Seattle's skyline.Adrian Blackstone. Even when troubled, the man was striking. The cut of his suit screamed expensive, but it was the stormy blue eyes and slicked-back, ink-dark hair that always got me. There was something inherently defiant in his posture—a corporate prince with a rebel's soul. But as handsome as he was, he wasn't always the easiest person to work for. Adrian was as demanding a boss as they came. "Whatever is in that will seems to have put you in a mood," I remarked, trying to steer the conversation.He shot a sharp glance at me. "What I discuss in my meetings, Emily isn't fodde