"Is this a joke?" said Corbin. "You made the same mistake as Anna did?"
Emmeline nodded her head with an innocent expression.
"But I was a little luckier. The model I hit didn't yell and scold me, like Hazel did to Anna. Plus at that moment Vin came to me. He made my nervous feelings get better quickly. He let the model go, then he asked me who I was and why I sneaked into the models' room. When I said I was interested in having a look, and that I admired the jewelry designs, he said my interest should not be wasted. He then pulled my hand away from the place. That was the beginning of our introduction, which eventually brought us so close. Vin is my mentor and best friend. He is an important part of Karfis & Vin. I think that's why destiny led me to get to where you are today, Corbin."
Emmeline started to smile. It seemed that the happy parts of the memories she was recounting had made her feel better.
"You're starting to smile," Corbin said. He stroked Emmeline's puffy cheek. "Tell me more. I didn't know Vin was going through a time like that."
The smile on Emmy's face disappeared again and she looked tense. "Did you guys keep in touch during those times? I mean, about three to four years before he died?"
"Since he knew you, you mean?" said Corbin. "Of course. We communicated as usual. He also never refused me if I visited sometimes. Except, in the last year and a half before he died. I never visited him in France in those days, because I was very busy here. Only Vin came here sometimes. But how come, he set up a company there, and he didn't tell us? He thought just because he lived in a different country, he could do that? He might have lost his mind by then." Corbin let out a silly sigh. "I thought I knew him because I had been his brother since birth, but apparently not. He hide a lot of things. Including about you. He hide his introduction to you, and he hide what he did with you. I never knew there was a woman in his life."
Emmeline raised her eyebrows. "You wouldn't say Vin and I had a relationship like a couple, would you? You'd better call me his other sister in France."
Emmeline and Corbin stared at each other for a moment without saying anything, before simultaneously pulling their gazes away from each other stiffly.
"Em—maybe that's what made Vin reluctant to put his name clearly in the name of the company we chose," added Emmy. "He also chose to put my name up front. I-I don't know what exactly he was thinking at the time, but ... er—Corbin," Emmy held Corbin's hand and stared at him intently, "half of Karfis & Vin's shares belonged to Vin. He gave it to me before he died. But now I think it's ridiculous. Because he has a family. Would you ... come with me to Karfis & Vin? Aren't you thinking about starting a new business after switching from your old job? Join us. Take what Vincenzo has left behind."
Corbin gave Emmy a good look as she said all the words. He then said, "It was Vincenzo's dream. Entrusting it to you is also Vincenzo's wish. Although I am angry that he has hidden many things from me, but I have no desire to disturb his dream. I knew long ago, Vin did want it. To be successful in the field he's passionate about." Corbin slowly let go of Emmy's grip. "You just keep on trying to grow your company even more. Vincenzo will love it."
"You like it too, don't you?" Emmeline said. "Anna said you were very good at making watches but you looked very reluctant, even acting like you hated doing it. But such unreasonable hatred doesn't happen without a reason. After everything we've been through, after everything you've told me, I'm sure that you hate everything about watchmaking because it reminds you of Vincenzo! And also of your father and mother. Your memories are so deep that the wounds you feel are also very deep. You also can't fully accept when Vin suddenly leaves you all and it numbs you. Then when you realize you still have life, you choose to hate everything that can remind you of all the memories that hurt you! I know that's exactly what happened to you, Corbin Valsecchi."
Corbin was silent at all of Emmeline's firm words. He swallowed. No words came out, but his gaze was still fixed on Emmeline.
"I promise to get all the information we need from Mr. Piers. But I beg you, Corbin, to consider my request," said Emmy. "I'm sure there is a big reason behind Vin doing everything he did. Why did he choose to hand over all his shares to me? Why did he seem like he didn't like his tracks to be read?"
Emmy and Corbin looked at each other intently. Emmy's eyes gleamed with a strong emotional charge, as if she desperately wanted Corbin to understand her point, while Corbin was calmer, yet deep and mysterious in his gaze and expression.
Corbin thought of something about Emmy. It's not just about what Emmy said.
Corbin withdrew his gaze from Emmy. He took a deep breath, then walked away. He left Emmeline without saying anything, and that took Emmeline by surprise. "Corbin! Say something! Where are you going? Corbin! Wait!" Emmeline started to follow Corbin, but Corbin just kept going. He went to his car and drove the car away from the house. Emmeline didn't understand Corbin's attitude, but at the same time, she saw Aunt Aude, sitting in the living room chair, silent, her gaze blank, while Anna was silent sadly hugging her.
Emmeline's focus shifted. She quickly decided to take care of Aunt Aude first, and put Corbin aside for a moment.
Emmeline walked over to Aunt Aude and Anna, and made Anna's focus fall on her.
"Miss Emmeline?"
Emmy swallowed heavily. Aunt Aude looked silent. Her gaze was blank, and she seemed lifeless. She didn't look at Emmy, and she didn't seem to care about anything. Until Emmy came closer and held her shoulder. "Aunt Aude, don't let yourself get sick again. Please rest."
***