Second Chances

Nora was blown away too. Those fancy rides, just over 20 of them, were worth over ten million dollars alone.

Emma strolled up and popped open a trunk. Inside, there were some seriously mind-blowing items: antiques from the 18th century and some rare paintings.

Her eyes then locked onto a vibrant azure jewelry box in the middle. When she opened it, a dazzling diamond tiara sat there, understated but dripping in luxury. The diamonds sparkled like crazy, giving off that timeless, majestic vibe.

“A tiara custom-made for Queen Sylvia by the world’s top luxury brand-priceless and damn, it’s gorgeous!” Emma whispered to herself. Even she couldn’t help but be impressed this time.

Aria was fuming with envy. She’d been getting gifts here and there lately, trying to keep up appearances with family and friends. But now her stuff looked like trash in comparison. None of it could hold a candle to Emma’s gear. She couldn’t stand that Emma had what she didn’t.

Emma just shut the trunk without another glance. She knew there was no point in checking further. If one car was packed like that, the rest were probably loaded with equally insane treasures.

Emma turned to Levi, saying, “Please tell Mr. Hall that I really appreciate what he did for me, for all of these.”

Levi grinned. After working under Liam for ages, he could read people like a book. “Mr. Hall’s message is loud and clear: if it makes his future wife happy, he’ll go to the ends of the earth.”

Emma smirked. Levi was definitely fishing for her intentions. She got his message well. Marry Liam, and she would have all the riches in the world, but say no, things wouldn’t be so rosy.

As Emma was about to say something after tapping the rear hatch, Zoe burst out, “Oh my gosh, look at that painting from a century ago. It’s like a rare treasure. Hurry, take them all and thank Mr. Hall and Mr. Carter.”

Even though Zoe hated Emma’s guts, she still wanted to snag that painting for herself. But just as she went for it, Levi stepped in and blocked

her with his hand.

Zoe paused, then glanced up at him. “Mr. Carter, what’s going on here?”

Levi stayed polite, but his smile and words felt rehearsed. “Mr. Hall couldn’t make it today because of his leg, but he left clear instructions. These things are just for Miss Wilson.”

Levi added, “Mr. Hall also made it clear that the Hall family doesn’t expect any gifts in return. But he won’t tolerate any mistreatment of his future wife. That two million dollars from Ms. Rivera’s inheritance? It’s going back to Miss Wilson, no ifs, ands, or buts. Otherwise, the Wilson family won’t be in his good books.”

The Wilson family collectively gasped in shock. Just any one of those proposal gifts in the cars was likely worth over 2 million dollars. Liam wasn’t after the cash for himself. He was totally backing Emma up.

Mateo, feeling the pressure from the blunt truth, had to force himself to step forward stiffly. “We get what Mr. Hall’s driving at. Tell him after the wedding, this 2 million dollars…” He clenched his teeth, continuing, “It will go to Emma.”

“Looks like Mr. Wilson’s on board, that’s great.” Levi grinned, then turned to Emma with respect. “Miss Wilson, what do you think?”

Emma twirled her hair and said, “Sounds good. Let’s seal the deal at my grandma’s 70th birthday next week, with family and friends as witnesses. Mr. Hall can hold onto the gifts for now. Once the inheritance is sorted, I’ll get the marriage license with him.”

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A week later, at Zoe’s 70th birthday party, the Wilson family’s villa was packed with guests. Among them were some business partners who had come not only to celebrate Zoe’s birthday but also to check out the newly returned Miss Wilson and see what she was all about.

Right now, Aria was holed up upstairs, dead set on staying there. Nora was doing her best to coax her out. “Aria, come on, unlock the door.

Everyone’s downstairs waiting for you.

I’m not going anywhere,” Aria snapped. “That money was supposed to be mine, but now it’s going to that b**h. Why should I go down there

and embarrass myself?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Listen, you’re overthinking” Nora whispered discreetly. “Your dad adores you, he wouldn’t give everything to Emma. Remember her disappearance? Not a coincidence. But forget that. The day Liam set the rules, your dad had to play along for Mr. Carter. He said, 4/5 of that 2 million dollars is still yours in the end. Worst case, you’ll split it with her, but that’s enough for you to go abroad. Doll up, mingle downstairs, chat up some rich kid about dating. Once you’re overseas, snag a loaded hubby. Then, no worries! Hurry, join the party.”

Nora’s words revived Aria’s hopes.

Their voices were hushed, and they thought they were in the clear. But little did they know, Emma had the entire Wilson family’s villa under her watchful eye.

Upstairs, Emma lounged in a sleek black gown and heels, keeping a close eye on everything through her monitors. With a chilling smirk, she saved the recording and then strolled off to the hall

Alone in his wheelchair upstairs, Liam kept a close watch on Zoe, Mateo, Nora, and Aria, monitoring their every move and word.

“Mr. Hall, you sure you don’t want to head down and make your presence known?” Levi asked.

“Not necessary.” Today, Liam had flat-out turned down the Wilson family’s invite. But little did they know, he was already at the villa, flying under the radar. His plan? To see for himself how the Wilson family really treated Emma.

As the party hit its stride, Mateo grabbed the mic. “Everyone, I got another piece of good news for you today. I’ve finally found my long-lost daughter, Emma. Let’s give a big welcome to my girl, Emma!”