Chapter 641 Retention
George stood in the rain, holding a sobbing Lucas. The father and son looked so lonely against the backdrop of the downpour. Lucas buried his small face into George's shoulder, his frail body shaking with each sob, while George's eyes seemed to be staring at a stranger.
At that moment, Emma almost ran back to embrace them. But Michael pinched her waist just in time, reminding her of their current situation.
"Drive," Michael ordered the driver coldly.
The car window slowly rose, shutting out everything outside. Emma finally broke down, covering her face as tears seeped through her fingers. She knew that from today, Lucas would never call her "Mom" with those bright, sparkling eyes again.
It was only after the car had driven far away that Lucas lifted his head from George's embrace. His eyes were swollen, but his gaze was surprisingly determined.
"Dad," he said through his sobs, "we have to find Mom."
George held Lucas tightly, his voice hoarse, "We will, I promise you."
The rain poured harder, but neither father nor son moved. They stood there, as if waiting for a miracle.
In the luxury car driving away, Emma's nails dug deep into her palms. She silently vowed that once everything was over, she would kneel and apologize to Lucas, even if it took a lifetime to make up for today's hurt.
Watching George's figure grow smaller through the window, Emma finally collapsed against the glass. Michael quickly caught her.
Emma pulled away from his embrace, her tears finally breaking free. "Are you satisfied now?" Her voice was shattered, "Can I see Seraphine?"
Michael gently wiped her tears, his touch surprisingly tender. "Don't worry," he said, his voice unusually soothing, "Once we get to Sunterra, you and your daughter will be reunited."
Lakeside Haven International Airport.
Emma followed Michael numbly, like a soulless doll. Her suitcase was small, containing only a few essentials. Before boarding, she took one last look at the sky over Lakeside Haven, the familiar cityscape under the blue sky, her heart aching.
She knew that once she left, she might never see George and Lucas again. But for their safety and Seraphine's, she had no choice.
As the plane took off, Emma closed her eyes, letting her tears soak her clothes. On the other side of the city, George stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of the Russell Group's top floor, watching the white trail of the departing plane, his fists clenched.
"Emma," his voice was low and determined, "I will find you."
When the plane landed at Shadegreen City Airport in Sunterra, Emma's face was pale, almost transparent. She had barely slept during the long flight, her mind filled with Lucas's heart-wrenching cries and George's desperate eyes.
Michael's private villa was located on a hillside in the suburbs, surrounded by tall walls and tight security. Emma was placed in the master bedroom on the third floor, a room so luxurious it was suffocating. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was a meticulously manicured garden, the walk-in closet filled with the latest designer clothes, and the vanity adorned with priceless jewelry.
"Do you like it?" Michael whispered in her ear, wrapping his arms around her waist, "All of this is for you."
Emma fought the urge to push him away, forcing a smile. "It's beautiful, thank you."
Michael's brow furrowed slightly. He released her, his tone colder. "I want to see a real smile, not this fake one."
Emma began to force herself to play the role of a "changed" woman. She smiled at Michael during breakfast, linked arms with him during walks in the garden, and even brought him coffee when he worked late into the night.
But these performances were clearly not enough. Michael's gaze grew darker, often staring at her as if seeing someone else.
One evening, Emma deliberately broke a cup in the kitchen. When the maid rushed in to clean up, she suddenly clutched her abdomen, crouching in pain.
"What's wrong?" Michael hurried over, lifting her into his arms.
"My stomach hurts." Emma's forehead was covered in cold sweat, her voice weak, "It might be an old injury acting up."
Michael's face changed instantly. He remembered well that Emma had undergone major surgery for an abdominal tumor, during a time when George was most indifferent to her.
The doctor confirmed it was just mild gastritis, but Emma seized the opportunity to continue her act.
"Michael," she lay in bed, tears in her eyes, "When the pain hit, I suddenly remembered being sick before."
Michael sat by the bed, watching her quietly.
"Back then, I was in the hospital, and George never visited me once." Her voice trembled just the right amount, "The doctor said it might be a malignant tumor, and I was so scared I couldn't sleep, but he was busy dating other women."
A complex emotion flickered in Michael's eyes. "So now you understand? He never deserved you."
"Yes." Emma gave a bitter smile, "I was so blind to be deceived by him for so long." She suddenly grabbed Michael's hand, "Thank goodness for you. Michael, if it weren't for you taking care of me, I might have..."
This vulnerable stance seemed to please Michael. His expression softened, and he stroked her cheek. "Good to know."
Emma took the chance to flash a radiant smile, making sure her dimples showed, the way Michael had once said he liked best.
But unexpectedly, Michael froze. His fingers stopped mid-air, his gaze becoming distant.
"Celeste," he murmured unconsciously.
Emma's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her sweet smile. "Michael? What's wrong?"
Michael snapped back to reality, his face darkening as he stood up. "Nothing. Get some rest." He left the room quickly.
In the study, Michael irritably loosened his tie and poured himself a strong drink. Emma's smile had been like a key, suddenly unlocking memories he had tried to bury.
Celeste, the girl who always stood quietly behind him. She had the same sweet dimples when she smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. Whenever he was in a bad mood, she would silently make him a cup of coffee and sit with him until late at night.
"Michael, you need to take care of yourself," she would always gently remind him.
But where was Celeste now? Since she left that voice message and disappeared, there had been no trace of her. Michael had sent out everyone he could, but found not a single clue.
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