Chapter Three

Emily went outdoors, her pulse racing in her chest, feeling the chilly night air on her face. She surveyed the dimly lighted parking lot and saw Jason standing beside a sleek black automobile, his hands in his pockets. He seemed anxious, his normally confident manner replaced with something more fragile.

"Jason," she yelled as she approached. "What is so urgent that it cannot wait?"

Jason turned to her, his eyes filled with fury and remorse. "Thank you, Emily, for coming. I didn't know how else to contact you.

"What is going on?"" Emily inquired, folding her arms to protect herself from the chilly wind and the jumble of emotions churning inside her.

Jason took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. "It's about my father," he said, his voice low. "You need to be careful around him."

Emily grimaced, her thoughts racing. "What do you mean? Will has been nothing but lovely to me.”

Jason's eyes widened with alarm. "I'm not saying he's a horrible guy, but there are certain details you don't know. Our family situation is complex. My father is... Driven, sometimes to a fault. And my mother will not make things easy for you.

Emily felt a shiver go down her spine. "I've already met your mother," she said, her voice quivering slightly. "She made quite an impression."

Jason groaned and shook his head. "She has always been like that. Protective of her position and lifestyle. She'll regard you as a danger, and she will go to any length to safeguard what she believes is hers.

Emily's thoughts returned to Victoria's frigid grin and how she had gazed at her. "Why do you tell me this, Jason?" she inquired, her tone softening. "What is your angle?"

Jason turned aside, his jaw stiffening. "I don't want you to be hurt, Emily. You're a good person, and you don't deserve to become involved in my family's problems."

Emily examined his face for authenticity and saw a glimmer of the Jason she had previously adored—the one who could be loving and real when he let his guard down. "I appreciate the warning," she eventually said. "But I can take care of myself."

Jason nodded, but his eyes remained worried. "Just be cautious. My father's world isn't what it seems. And my mother has already made up her mind about you."

Emily took a long breath, bracing herself. "Thanks for the caution, Jason. But I can make my own judgments."

As she turned to go, Jason reached out and lightly stroked her arm. "Emily, one more thing," he added, his voice barely audible. “I still care for you. And if you ever need anything, I am here."

Emily gazed at him, her heart throbbing from a combination of old scars and new doubts. "Goodnight, Jason," she replied quietly, moving away and back toward the entryway.

Emily's thoughts raced with Jason's remarks as she entered the ballroom again. The atmosphere was different now. She discovered Will still standing on the balcony, his expression filled with worry as he watched her approach.

"Is everything okay?"" he inquired, his gaze probing hers.

Emily paused and finally nodded. "Jason wanted to chat. "He is... concerned."

Will's jaw clenched slightly, but he just nodded. Jason has his reasons. "Our family dynamic is complex."

Emily gazed up at him with a flash of resolve. "I can handle complex," she said, her voice firm.

Will's eyes softened, revealing a trace of adoration. "I believe you can, Emily."

Before she could react, the sound of rising voices called them back inside. Emily and Will exchanged worrisome glances before rushing toward the disturbance, where they saw a small throng gathering near the ballroom's entrance.

Emily's breath hitched as she moved through the throng and noticed Victoria standing in the middle, her face flushed with fury as she fought with another lady. The lady, tall and striking with black hair and sharp eyes, seemed equally enraged.

"You have no rights!" Victoria shouted, her voice drowning out the bystanders' murmuring.

"I have every right," the other lady shot back. "This is my event as much as it is yours."

Emily recognized the lady as Samantha Walker, Jason's new girlfriend and her former best friend—the one who had betrayed her. Tension flared in the air, and Emily felt pulled into the growing drama.

Samantha's gaze fixed on hers, a hungry smirk twisting on her lips. "Emily," she shouted out, her voice full of hatred. "What a surprise to see you here."