Winning Her Heart Back

 Don't You Hate Him?

Emelie sat proudly on her horse, a gentle smile gracing her face.

"I just placed a wager with Mr. Davis," she announced. "We're betting on how much we can raise by the end of the day. Anyone interested in joining and making things more exciting?"Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Samuel responded with a smile, "We're already here, so why not have some fun? Ms. Pierce, what are the rules? We're ready."

Emelie explained, "Those who can ride can choose to join my team or Mr. Davis' team. The team of the first rider to cross that forest wins."

She continued, "For those who can't ride, you can bet on which team you think will win. The bets will be added to the charity fund, while the winner can pick a prize from the antique shelf."

Charles, being a seasoned socialite, also found the idea intriguing. "That sounds like fun!" The guests echoed his sentiment, exclaiming, "It's innovative and competitive. We get to have fun while doing good.. It's a win-win!"

Jodie had the display shelf brought out. It was a tall, multi-compartment shelf filled with various items. There were luxury bags, vintage wines, renowned paintings, handcrafted ceramics, and rare book collections.

While the guests could easily buy these things themselves, offering them as gifts made the organizer of the event seem more thoughtful.

Then, someone noticed a small box on the top shelf. "That ring... isn't that an Eros?!"

His exclamation drew everyone's attention, and soon the crowd was buzzing with excitement. "My God! It really is Eros!"

"Eros is priceless! Wasn't it auctioned at Flame Craft for 300 million?" someone said.

A second person asked, "Is this a prize too? Ms. Pierce, are you sure it's not a mistake?"

Emelie smirked. "There's no mistake. It's one of the prizes."

The guests were already excited to participate because the game seemed fun. They didn't expect more surprises. Winning an Eros would be a huge win.

Emelie said slowly, "Winners pick their prizes in order of their wager amounts, from highest to lowest."

After she pondered for a while, she added a twist. "The first rider to emerge from the forest gets first pick."

This meant that, if someone wanted to guarantee them winning the Eros, they would have to win the race. Otherwise, they had to pray that the first rider wouldn't pick the Eros. Then, the next highest bidder, the person who donated the most money, would have the chance to pick it.

A guest, still unable to believe that Emelie would offer an Eros as a prize, asked, "Ms. Pierce, are you serious?"

Emelie's voice was soft yet firm. "It's all for the children."

"Excellent!" The crowd responded with cheers. They eagerly signed up for the race and chose their teams before changing into their riding gear and selecting their horses.

Emelie felt rather pleased and lightly tapped her toes against the stirrups.

Then, her gaze finally met William's, who had been standing there, waiting for her to look his way.

His tone had no trace of emotions. "You're really going to treat my gift so carelessly? You used it as bait, and now, as a mere gift."

Emelie had lent it to Ashlyn to bait them. Now, she was putting it on a shelf and letting people fight for it. After all, the wedding ring was a gift from him to her.

Emelie leaned down, her voice lowered as she spoke. "Aren't you curious about how I

managed to take off an Eros? If you win the ring and study it carefully, maybe you'll find out.

"1

William's voice turned cold. "If you don't want the things I gave you, I'll take them back. I won't let anyone else have them."

Emelie raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, will you be joining the race, or placing a bet from the sidelines?"

"If it's something I want back, I'll get it myself." William had made his decision.

He wouldn't rely on the chance that the first rider might not choose the ring. He wouldn't

leave it up to chance. If he wanted something, he would make sure he got it.

Emelie stared at him before finally saying, "Alright then, I wish you luck."

William went off to change into his riding attire.

With the race yet to begin, Emelie led her horse to get some feed.

Jodie came to her side and muttered, "William is entering the race, just as expected."

Emelie wasn't surprised, she knew he would participate. His participation was necessary for her to test his physical condition and to see if there was indeed anything wrong.

A sudden thought crossed Jodie's mind. After she glanced around to ensure no one was

watching them, she whispered, "Ma'am, should we perhaps... tamper with William's horse?

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Emelie turned to face her instantly.

Jodie's eyes narrowed as she continued, "Horse racing is inherently dangerous. Falling from

a horse can lead to injury or even death, and it would all be seen as just an 'accident'."

"Jodie," Emelie said calmly. "If you dare to go behind my back, I'll send you back to Mercianna. You won't be working for me anymore."

Jodie was taken aback. She didn't understand. "Ma'am, don't you... hate him?"