Her Fake Lover

Chapter 64

"What did Vin say about Howard, Mr. Piers? What was Howard trying to do?" interrupted Emmeline impatiently.

Mr. Piers stared at Emmeline for a moment. "Vin said Howard called him while he was driving, moments before Vin lost control of driving. Vin remembered what Howard said at the time. Howard said he would do something to Karfis & Vin. And also to you. Howard had terrorized Vin before, but that time was different. By then Vin's relationship with Howard had really deteriorated, especially after Vin managed to find out and thwart Howard's attempts to sabotage the diamond delivery process for Karfis & Vin. At that time Vin took Howard's words seriously, especially since Howard brought up your name. They had an argument over the phone, and Vin had an accident in the middle of the conversation."

"Oh my gosh," said Emmeline. Her body trembled at what Mr. Piers said.

"After he told me about Howard's threat, he also told me that he bequeathed all of his shares to you, as you know. And he also asked me to look after you. He asked me to protect you from all harm, including Howard's dangerous actions."

"But why did he give me all of his shares, if he had a family?" interrupted Emmeline.

"He was in a very weak condition at that time, Dear. I didn't dare ask him many things that would disturb him. I just listened and agreed with everything he said at that time. I didn't have the heart to say any objections. He didn't even tell me if I should tell the truth about his family to you or not. But his decision to give all of his shares to you led me to conclude that maybe Vin wants things to stay the same. Leaving his family unknown to you. Maybe he also meant to protect his ignorant family in Italy from Howard."

Mr. Piers faintly shook his head. "At that time my mind was full of sadness. My body was weak seeing Vin's condition. He was like my own son and I seemed to lose half of my soul seeing everything that happened to him."

Emmeline felt her whole body tremble. Everything Mr. Piers said made her feel almost as sad as when he lost Vin. A tight feeling filled her chest. Emmeline didn't know how to make herself feel better.

"Before you came here, Justin was here first," said Mr. Piers. Emmeline and Chloe gasped. "Yes. He knew I was back from the hospital, and he came to see me. But I think he also came to me because he was tired. I could clearly see that he looked troubled, so I asked him what was going on." Mr. Piers gave Emmeline a good look. "He finally told me. All the things no one ever told me while I was in the hospital. Not even Chloe." Chloe gasped. She then lowered her head. "I don't monitor the media either, so I don't know. A big problem has occurred, and I'm left ignorant."

"Em—Mr. Piers—"

"I know, Emmeline," Mr. Piers interrupted Emmeline. "I know it was all at your behest. You didn't tell me about your return to Elderville-Bryxton, and you hid company matters from me as well. Yes. I know it's all you do with good intentions. But now I feel concerned about everything that happened. And after hearing everything from Justin, I can't get over my preconceptions about Howard yet again."

"Today we had a private meeting at his request, and he offered to acquire Karfis & Vin," Emmeline said.

Mr. Piers immediately turned a quick glance at Emmeline. His expression was full of surprise. "Are you serious, Emmy?"

Emmeline nodded her head. She then sighed. "He ... has really made me feel bad today. I feel bad for Vincenzo. The situation has grown to be so embarrassing."

Mr. Piers was silent. He lowered his head. It was obvious he was thinking about something seriously.

"Howard really stirs my emotions," sighed Mr. Piers.

"And he really enjoys this game," continued Emmeline.

Mr. Piers glanced at Emmeline. "What about Corbin? How is he?"

Emmeline gasped at the question. She glanced at Chloe for a moment. Mr. Piers caught the awkward gesture. He then let out a short breath, smiling.

"So much has happened, Dear. I know that," said Mr. Piers. "There must have been so much discomfort at Corbin's house. Anna, Aude. Ah," Mr. Piers sighed. "I haven't spoken to Aude myself either. And besides I haven't contacted her, she hasn't contacted me either. Our situation is very uncomfortable to feel. I know there are so many unexplained emotions."

"Er—and neither do we, Mr. Piers. I mean, Corbin and I. We ... haven't spoken to each other either," Emmeline said. It was as if she had found a way to answer Mr. Piers' earlier question, without going into any specifics of the circumstances.

Mr. Piers looked at Emmeline for a moment. He fell silent with an unreadable expression. Emmeline was seriously watching him, but she had no idea what Mr. Piers was thinking. Mr. Piers sighed with a smile after that. He reached out his hand, holding Emmeline's hand. "We'll work this out together." Mr. Piers looked at Emmeline with a smile.

Emmeline found that quite reassuring. There were no words she could say. There were various colors of emotion that she couldn't explain. Emmeline nodded her head.

A few moments passed. Emmeline and Chloe had left Mr. Piers' house.

Emmy and Chloe were on their way home when Chloe asked Emmeline, "Are you feeling any better?"

Emmeline smiled. She nodded. "Yes. Better than before." Chloe reached out and held Emmeline's hand by her side for a moment. Emmeline smiled again. "I've got the answer I've been waiting for, Chloe. And besides, Mr Piers' return makes me feel like my strength is growing again."

"You, Vin, and Mr. Piers are inseparable. It doesn't matter if one of you is gone, your hearts are still one. Calm your mind. As Mr. Piers said, we will face our problems together."

"You are an inseparable part of us too, Chloe. Thank you for always being by my side."

"Ah, come on. Don't say such touching words while I'm driving. I don't want to lose concentration."

Emmeline chuckled. They ended their day with some relief.

***