Chapter 140

**Emily**

I spotted Bronn and Jane, Philip Cornell's sister, slipping away from the bustling party into a secluded corner of the expansive open lounge. Curiosity gnawed at me, but I resisted the urge to follow. I decided to wait until their conversation ended.

Turning my attention back to the party, I was approached by two assistants in Aspire Financial Group. The woman, Vivian, was a sleek blonde about Sophia's age, and the man, Derek, around his forties, exuded an air of smug self-importance.

"Ms. Carter, how is Ms. Mitchell doing? We haven't seen her at several important gatherings lately. She hasn't been coming to the office either. There are some rumors that President Cornell is keeping her locked up," Vivian said.

A waiter glided past with a tray of crystal flutes filled with bubbling champagne. I plucked one gracefully, using the moment to compose my thoughts. After almost a year of working closely with Sarah, I had become adept at brushing off rumors.

Cautiously, I took a sip before responding, "I can assure you, that's nothing but baseless gossip. Sarah's been dealing with some personal matters, which is true, but she's far from being a prisoner. She's doing just fine."

Vivian and Derek exchanged a look that set alarm bells ringing in my head. Derek cleared his throat, "Since you're the one who often handles Ms. Mitchell's business personally, it would be easy for you to steal from her. Haven't you thought of robbing her?"

My grip on the champagne flute tightened.

"I'm not sure I follow your meaning," I replied coolly, furrowing my brow, genuinely offended by the accusation.

Vivian jumped in, "Oh, come now. Ms. Mitchell is young. Brilliant in some ways, perhaps, but so naïve about the real world. Rumors say she didn't finish school."

Derek nodded confidently. "Exactly. With that much wealth, who would notice if a little... is missing?"

A harsh laugh escaped me as I fixed them both with an icy glare. "I can't believe what I'm hearing! Do you think Sarah Mitchell is stupid? And why are you implying like I'm a thief?" I gave another sarcastic laugh. "Sarah's grandfather is an economist, surely you know that. Do you think Mr. Mitchell's granddaughter is an idiot?"

Their smug expressions faltered, unable to meet my unwavering gaze.

"Uhm"

Just then, Jane re-entered the gathering, and I noticed her wiping away tears.

What happened?

Jane rushed past our group, eyes lowered and shoulders tense. Her obvious distress reignited my curiosity about her conversation with Bronn.

"Excuse me," I said to Vivian and Derek. It wasn't the first time someone suggested tampering with Sarah's account. Sarah's young age made her an easy target for gossip and scheming in some people's eyes.

Outside, where the cool night air was refreshing compared to the stuffy indoors, Bronn stood alone, his figure outlined by the garden lights.

"Bronn, what happened?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

He hugged me before explaining, "It's nothing serious. Jane confessed her feelings, and I turned her down."

I pulled back slightly, surprise etched on my face. "Confessed? You mean romantically?"

He nodded, but I grimaced, imagining Jane's embarrassment and heartache.

"Let's forget about Jane. Anyway, are you done with your agenda?" Bronn asked.

"Yeah," I replied, pushing thoughts of Jane aside.

Bronn guided me toward the event's entrance, his hand gently holding my waist. We ascended to the building's helipad to board the waiting helicopter. Bronn kissed my hand repeatedly as we boarded, seemingly forgetting about the drama with Philip's sister.

Several minutes passed before I realized we weren't heading toward his mansion.

After a few hours, we were dropped off at the beach house. I remembered this place. It was one of our favorites because it was quiet, and here, I felt like I was his world.

"What are we doing here?" I asked Bronn.

He answered with a simple smile.

We entered, greeted by the sweet scent of roses. Gentle music accompanied the fire in the fireplace.

"I wanted a date with just you, the two of us," he said.

My heart fluttered at his words. We settled at a beautifully set table, where Bronn insisted on feeding me bites from each exquisite dish. Between mouthfuls, we exchanged smiles and shared our dreams for our daughter, Willow. At this moment, it felt as if the outside world had faded away, leaving only Bronn and me in our own little bubble of happiness.

After dinner, Bronn extended his hand. "Dance with me?"

As we swayed to the music, Bronn's expression grew serious. "Emily, I can't hold back anymore. I... I want to marry you, Emily."

With trembling hands, he produced a small red velvet box from his pocket, and immediately, nervousness overwhelmed me.

"I'm willing to leave everything behind just to spend the rest of my life with you and Willow..." Bronn said softly, his voice husky with emotion.

Tears welled up in my eyes, his words resonating with the deepest longings of my heart.

"The truth is," he continued, "my parents arranged meetings with countless women from influential families. But none of them were who I truly wanted. I was wrong before, thinking I'd made the right choice, but it never felt right. I lied to myself, convinced you weren't what I needed, but when you were gone... a part of me died."

He paused, gently kissing my knuckles.

"Emily, can you give me a chance? Let me speak from my heart. There's nothing I desire more than your answer..."

His lips brushed mine in a tender kiss.

"I'll fight anyone who tries to come between us," he vowed. "From the very beginning, that day you were eating a clubhouse sandwich in Mrs. Frost's library, you captured my heart. And yes," he added with a hint of mischief, "I wanted to fuck you from the beginning!"

I giggled, unsure if it was a jest or sincerity, my cheeks flushed in anticipation.

"I've wanted to kiss you every day, to wake up to your face each morning I yearned to love and fuck you for the rest of my days, Emily. So please..." Bronn finally opened the small box, revealing a large diamond ring nestled within. "Emily Carter, will you marry me?"

My heart felt like it might burst. "Yes, absolutely!"

Bronn's face transformed with a joy I'd never seen before; slipping the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly, as if it had always been meant to be there. Our eyes met, and then our lips, in a kiss that felt like coming home and embarking on a new adventure all at once.

I never imagined Bronn would one day say I was his whole world. It had always been just a dream, a fantasy I'd held close in the past.

Bronn's hand found the zipper of my dress, slowly drawing it down. His lips traced a path from my neck to my shoulder, igniting sparks wherever they touched. When our mouths met again, it was with a deeper, more urgent passion. The room felt warmer, the world beyond its walls fading away until there was nothing but us.

He lifted me, laying me gently on the bed, claiming me repeatedly, whispering promises and passionate declarations.

At last, Mr. Bronn Martin, the only man I'd ever truly longed for, was officially mine. And I was his, completely and without reservation.

**Sarah**

Time passed unnoticed, blending days and months into a new rhythm of life. Gradually, everything settled, finding a balance I hadn't known for months.

I began attending business events and business parties, enjoying a fulfilling relationship with Philip. Josh no longer bothered me, but at least I knew he was alive.

Tonight, I was invited to talk about a possible partnership at an upscale club. The room buzzed with soft conversations and the sound of glasses clinking. As I looked around, I thought about the potential profits if I chose to invest here.

"Madam Sarah, Isn't that Jane over there?" Trey pointed out, accompanying me for the evening.

There sat Jane, alone at a table, nursing what looked like her third or fourth drink. A pang of concern shot through me.

"Stay here," I murmured to Trey. He nodded, taking up a discreet position a few meters away as I approached my friend.

"Hey, love!" I called out, keeping my tone light.

"Sarah!" She seemed surprised to see me, perhaps embarrassed to be found unwinding alone in the club.

Little did I know that night would bring unexpected danger.