25

25

Emma's speech faltered, and she dropped to her knees once more.

I withdrew my hand from her grip.

Alex gently pulled me back, and I retreated two paces, finally voicing the question that had been lodged in my throat.

"Emma, how do you plan to make amends?

"Can you resurrect my father?

"If I could erase our relationship to bring my dad back to life, I'd do it without hesitation!"

Emma lowered her head, and I watched as a teardrop splashed onto the ground.

My chest tightened, and anguish spread through my body.

I lifted my hand and removed the necklace, letting the pair of rings fall into my open palm.

Inexpensive bands, mirroring her shallow affection.

Regrettably, it took me this long to see the truth.

"Emma," I said quietly, then tossed the rings at her feet.

"Return the entire Scott Group to me. Give back what my father worked so hard to build! I'm returning your worthless love!"

Emma hastily gathered up the rings.

"Amelie…"