Winning Her Heart Back



Wrong Accusation

"Rumor has it that Mr. Cronus excels in archery and horseback riding. Ms. Pierce, I suppose Mr. Cronus has personally taught you your archery skills!"

Emelie didn't deny it. "He's better than me."

This statement elicited more flattery.

Emelie turned to Bryan. "Mr. Swanson is also quite skilled in archery. I witnessed a

competition between Mr. Swanson and Mr. Middleton years ago. They were evenly matched.

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Just then, Bryan released an arrow that also hit the bullseye.

Emelie led the applause.

After a while, when everyone had had their fill of the activity, the CEOs began to reveal their true intentions. They were all hoping to forge a connection with the Filo family.

Emelie neither accepted nor rejected their overtures. She handled the situation with finesse.

The CEOs were satisfied with her responses, and Emelie, using the excuse of being tired, took the opportunity to step away for a break.

Bryan joined her as they headed to the lounge. "I've underestimated you, Ms. Pierce. I forgot how skilled you are at managing these situations. You didn't need my help at all."

As there were servers nearby ready to assist, Emelie nonetheless took the initiative to pour two cups of tea and handed one to Bryan.

"Mr. Swanson, both you and Samuel have shown me kindness in the past. I haven't forgotten that."

Bryan gestured for the servers to give them some privacy.

Only then did he say, "It's a pity that times have changed and people with them. After all these years, we're meeting again as adversaries. Even with Sam between us, I fear we'll eventually find ourselves in a battle to the death."

Emelie chuckled in surprise. "Mr. Swanson, your words are quite alarming. Aren't we partners now? Why would we end up in such a dire situation?"

Bryan looked at her intently. "It's just us here, Ms. Hoven. There's no need for pretense."

Emelie's gaze shifted. "Mr. Swanson, you insist on seeing malice where there is none. I don't know how to prove my innocence, so I'll just have to let you say whatever you wish."

Bryan stared at her. "Charles is in prison, and Beathan is trapped. These are all your doing, Ms. Hoven, and anyone with eyes can see that."

Emelie neither confirmed nor denied his words. She simply lifted her teacup to inhale the aroma of the tea.

The smell of the tea was rich and sweet, with a faint hint of freshness. Even without tasting it, she could tell that it was high-quality Earl Grey tea.

"Out of respect for Sam, Ms. Hoven, would you be so kind as to tell me what fate you have in mind for me?" Bryan's voice remained calm as he continued, "Will it be like Charles, imprisoned? Or like Beathan, disgraced? Or perhaps, like Mr. Middleton, a fate worse than death?"

Emelie replied half-seriously, "Mr. Swanson, you're overthinking it. The Swanson family was just a partner of the Pierce family back then. When the Pierce family fell, it was natural for the Swanson family to take advantage of the chaos. I don't hold a grudge against the Swanson family, nor would I seek revenge against you, Mr. Swanson."

Bryan scrutinized her. "You don't resent the Swanson family?"

Emelie set down her teacup and shrugged. "Unless you've done something to me or my family that I'm unaware of, Mr. Swanson, we have no grievances. Hence, I don't hate you."

"Then I'll take your word for it, Ms. Hoven," Bryan said before shifting the conversation." But Ms. Hoven, who do you hate? Is it Mr. Middleton?"

Emelie looked up at him.

At that moment, the CEOS approached them, giving her an opportunity to change the subject. "Mr. Swanson, I wouldn't know how to answer that. Since we're here to enjoy ourselves, let's just focus on that."

Bryan leaned back in his chair and gestured to a staff member.

The staff understood and blocked the CEOS, indicating that Bryan and Emelie were in the middle of a conversation and should not be disturbed.

The CEOS exchanged puzzled looks but didn't dare to approach.

Bryan then revealed his purpose for the day. "Ms. Hoven, I think you might be mistaken about Mr. Middleton, or perhaps you're holding onto an unnecessary grudge."

Emelie laughed softly.

Bryan could hear the sarcasm in her laughter. "Ms. Hoven, what do you want to say?"NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

"From what I understand, not only has the husband of the driver who had hit Samuel lost his job, but her children have also been expelled from school. But you've also ensured that she received the maximum sentence without the possibility of parole, didn't you, Mr. Swanson?"

A smirk played on Emelie's lips as she continued, "Mr. Swanson, if someone killed someone from your family, I'm sure you'd want to see them pay with blood. Since you can't even bring yourself to be merciful, then how can you expect me to be any different?"

Bryan asked, "So, Ms. Hoven, do you believe that Mr. Middleton has killed one of your

family members? Was it your adoptive mother, Greta Lowe?"

"Mr. Swanson, you're asking questions you already know the answers to," Emelie's gaze drifted into the distance.

Bryan continued, "It's not that I'm asking questions I already know the answers to, but rather that you've wrongly accused him, Ms. Hoven."