Later in the evening, Emma stood inside William's study. Just one last time. I will obey him, just one last time. For you, mom! Her hand shook a little.
The study smelled of aged leather and regret. The old man sat heavily in his wingback chair, the firelight casting shadows across his weary face as he studied Emma. She stood before him, hands clasped tightly, the diamond bracelet Oliver had just forced onto her wrist glinting like a shackle. Agift for conceiving a Jones heir.
"Are you certain about this, child?" William's voice was gravel wrapped in velvet. "After everything..."
Emma forced a smile that tasted like betrayal as she spoke, "Oliver apologized. He was just...stressed about the business." The lie slithered off her tongue, oily and familiar. "We want to make it work. For
