Chapter 332 Freedom
After speaking, Emma stood up and walked out of the café.
Phoenix stayed seated, her mind racing.
"She knows. She's definitely gonna dig deeper," Phoenix's heart pounded, cold sweat forming on her forehead. She knew Emma wasn't bluffing; she would really investigate.
If Emma found the evidence, everything would be over for her.
"No, I can't let her keep digging." A fierce determination flashed in Phoenix's eyes. Her fingers clenched into tight fists, and her nails dug into her palms.
A wild thought crossed her mind—only if Emma were gone would this all end.
Back at home, Emma immediately began sorting through George's belongings, trying to find more clues. She kept replaying the details of George's fall in her mind, attempting to piece together the complete truth.
Lucas was playing with his blocks nearby. Seeing Emma's serious expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Mom, what are you looking for?"
Emma snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. "Nothing, just organizing things. Lucas, go tidy up your toys. We're going back to Sunterra in a few days."
Lucas asked, "What about Dad?"
Looking at his innocent face, Emma couldn't bear to tell him the truth—that his father, George, had passed away.
George's funeral had been small, with few attendees. Some people, seeing the Russell family's decline, didn't bother to show up. Thus, George left this world quietly and unnoticed.
In life, George had been the center of attention. In death, he was forgotten.
Since George had learned that Lucas was his and Emma's child, his attitude toward Lucas had improved significantly. Lucas had also grown closer to the once-distant George. Emma feared that if Lucas learned of George's death now, he wouldn't be able to handle it.
So, Lucas still didn't know that he would never see George again.
Emma replied, "George's not coming with us. He's gone on a long business trip."
"Okay, when will Dad be back?"
Emma didn't answer Lucas's question directly. Instead, she asked him, "Lucas, how would you feel if I wanted to get you a new dad?"
Lucas tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "Do you mean Seraphine's dad?"
Emma was taken aback. She hadn't expected Lucas to guess it.
She nodded, not hiding the truth.
Lucas, with a maturity beyond his years, looked at Emma seriously and said, "Even though Seraphine's dad is very kind and treats Seraphine and me well, I still like my own dad."
He paused, then added, "But if you don't like my dad, that's your choice. At school, I heard my classmates say that their parents are together because they love each other. If you don't love Dad anymore, then you shouldn't be together. You should be with whoever makes you happy. As long as you're happy, I'm happy."
"Silly boy."
Emma's eyes welled up with tears at Lucas's words. She hadn't expected such mature and heartwarming words from her little boy. A wave of warmth washed over her, easing all her fatigue and inner conflict.
She crouched down, opening her arms to hug Lucas tightly.
Lucas's small body was soft and had a faint milky scent, making Emma feel incredibly at ease. She rested her chin gently on Lucas's head, her voice choked with emotion. "You're so sweet, Lucas. Thank you for being so understanding."
Lucas, held tightly by Emma, pressed his little face against her shoulder, feeling her familiar warmth. He couldn't help but nuzzle her, like a kitten seeking comfort. He patted her back gently, his sweet childlike voice saying, "Don't cry, Mom. I'll always be with you."
Hearing this, Emma couldn't hold back her tears any longer. They streamed down her cheeks.
She hugged Lucas even tighter, as if trying to convey all her love and warmth to him. Her voice was soft but firm. "Lucas, I love you so much. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you, protecting you, taking care of you."
Lucas looked up at her with his clear, big eyes and nodded seriously. "I love you too, Mom, very much." He then reached out his small hand to wipe away her tears.
Seeing Lucas's innocent yet determined face, Emma felt immense relief. She gently kissed his forehead and softly said, "Lucas, you are my greatest pride."
Lucas beamed at her praise, his smile as bright as a blooming flower. He nestled in her arms, savoring the moment of warmth and peace. They embraced each other as if time had stopped, with only their heartbeats filling the air.
After a while, Emma released him, cupping his small face in her hands. "Lucas, I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always respect your feelings and do my best to make you happy. You are the most important person to me."
Lucas nodded vigorously, his face glowing with happiness. "Okay! I'll make you happy too! I'm going to pack all my things by myself today. Mom, you don't need to help me! I can do it!"
With that, Lucas ran back to his room, full of energy and excitement.
Emma watched him go, a mix of tears and laughter. It was wonderful to see Lucas becoming more lively.
Even though Lucas didn't mind who she married, she could tell that George still held a place in his heart. For Lucas's sake, she had to find out the truth quickly. Only then could she let go of the past and start a new life with Lucas.
However, she had no idea that Phoenix was already watching her from the shadows.
Phoenix stood in her bedroom, her gaze cold, holding a sharp fruit knife. Her eyes were filled with madness and despair as she muttered to herself, "Emma, you've forced me. If you die, everything will end."
She gripped the knife handle tightly, her fingertips turning white from the pressure. George's face and Emma's piercing eyes kept flashing in her mind.
"I can't let you ruin me. I won't." Her voice was low and hoarse, tinged with a hint of crazed determination.
Taking a deep breath, a fierce glint appeared in Phoenix's eyes. She picked up her phone and dialed a number, speaking in a low voice. "Find out Emma's whereabouts. I need to know where she's going next."