Chapter 5: DANIEL’S BETRAYAL, SIMEON’S MOVES

EMMA'S POV

I never expected to see Simeon again, let alone in the middle of my workday, sitting across from me in my office. Of all people, why him? The moment I saw him step into my office, I felt my heart skip. Simeon Grant, the man I’d met at the bar yester-night, was now here to buy fifty percent of Daniel's shares in Pixel Forge Studios.

Before I could fully process his presence, my phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made my stomach twist: Daniel.

“I heard there’s a buyer for my shares,” his familiar, cold voice said as soon as I picked up.

“Yes,” I replied cautiously. “But why are you selling? The company is doing so well.”

“What I do with my money is none of your business,” Daniel snapped, his tone loud enough that I was sure Simeon could hear him.

I clenched my jaw, biting back the words I wanted to hurl at him. Daniel’s selfishness never failed to surprise me. Part of me wanted to tell him that Simeon Grant—his business rival—was the one buying his shares. I imagined the shock and fury that would paint his face if he knew. But instead, I held my tongue.

“I want the money in my account today if the buyer pays,” Daniel continued before abruptly hanging up.

The silence that followed felt heavy, but I forced a smile and turned to Simeon. “I’m sorry to say this, but the company only has forty percent of shares available for sale,” I lied smoothly.

His eyebrows raised slightly. “I thought it was fifty?”

I nodded quickly, crafting my response carefully. “Someone else bought ten percent recently,” I replied.

Simeon’s lips curved into a slow smile. He studied me for a moment before leaning back in his chair. “I’m in,” he said simply, holding out his hand.

We shook on it, and the deal was set in motion.

......

The next few hours were a blur of paperwork, signatures, and legal formalities. Lawyers from both sides reviewed the terms, while I silently celebrated my small victory. By withholding ten percent of Daniel’s shares, I would secure sixty percent of the company, maintaining my control over Pixel Forge Studios. And knowing that Daniel’s sworn rival now owned the other forty percent was the icing on the cake. The thought of his reaction made me almost giddy.

When the final document was signed, Simeon looked up at me. “We’ve been through a lot today. Can I get you a drink to celebrate?”

The words caught me off guard, pulling me back to the last time we were together. That night at the bar, his warmth, his kiss, and then waking up alone… it all came rushing back. I stared at him, unsure of what to say.

“I’m sorry for leaving like that,” Simeon said, his voice softer now. “Let me make it up to you with a drink.”

I exhaled slowly. There was something about him that made it hard to stay mad. He didn’t just feel like a rival buyer or a business deal. There was more to him, though I wasn’t sure what it was.

“Alright,” I finally said, my voice steady.

Before we left, I instructed my secretary to transfer the payment Daniel had demanded.

As we stepped into the parking lot, Simeon’s driver quickly got out of the car and opened the door for us. Ever the gentleman, Simeon gestured for me to enter first. I hesitated briefly before sliding into the seat, my thoughts racing. The car pulled away smoothly, but I couldn’t help wondering where Simeon planned to take me for this drink.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Simeon gave me one of those secretive smiles that always left me guessing. "If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise," he replied, avoiding the question.

I raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing more. A few minutes later, the car slowed and came to a stop. The driver stepped out, opening the door for us. As I stepped out, the familiar surroundings hit me like a wave. I froze.

This was the same place Daniel brought me on our first date.

The memories came flooding back—the candlelit table, the way he had made me laugh that evening, and how I foolishly believed I had found my forever. My stomach twisted as I turned to look at Simeon. Was this intentional? Or just a cruel coincidence?

"Why are we here?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

Simeon seemed unaffected by my tone. "To have a drink," he said simply, his tone casual, as if this was just another ordinary outing.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and followed him inside. The place hadn’t changed much. The warm lighting and soft music were still the same, but what used to feel romantic now felt suffocating. I tried to push the memories aside as we sat down.

Simeon ordered for us—wine for me and whiskey for himself. I stayed silent, staring at the glass of wine in front of me, wondering what his motives were.

"So, how are things with your husband?" Simeon asked, breaking the silence.

I took a deep breath, unsure if I wanted to share anything personal with him. But the words spilled out before I could stop them. "I told him this morning that I want a divorce."

His eyebrows shot up, but before he could respond, something on the TV screen caught my attention.

I blinked in disbelief as I read the headline scrolling across the screen: Simeon Grant Acquires 40% of Pixel Forge Studios.

They were talking about the sale—the sale of Daniel’s shares.

"Wow," Simeon muttered, his eyes glued to the screen. "I didn’t realize it was his share."

His words made me snap my head toward him. The look on his face was one of genuine surprise—or at least, it seemed that way.

"I hope you're happy now," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You bought my husband’s share. Mission accomplished."

"Excuse me?" Simeon looked at me with confusion, clearly not understanding my tone.

I couldn’t hold it in any longer. "I know you planned all this," I said, my voice rising slightly. "You planned everything—the bar, the drinks, and sleeping with me, It’s all part of some scheme to hurt Daniel, isn’t it?"

His face darkened, but he stayed silent.

"And dragging me into this? Hurting me just to get back at him? That’s low, Simeon. Even for you."

"What are you talking about?" he asked, sounding genuinely confused—or was he just a good actor?

"Don’t play dumb with me," I snapped, my anger boiling over. "You knew exactly who I was when you met me at the bar. You took advantage of me. You knew I was vulnerable, and you used it against me."

Simeon’s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing. "Emma, I don’t know what you think happened, but you’re wrong."

"Wrong?" I laughed bitterly. "Stop lying, Simeon. Stop pretending you didn’t plan this. You knew exactly what you were doing when you walked into that bar, and you know exactly what you’re doing now."

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. I couldn’t sit there for another second.

"Emma, wait," he said, standing up as well. "You’ve got it all wrong."

But I was done listening. Without another word, I turned and walked out, leaving him standing there in the middle of the restaurant.

As I stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face, calming me slightly. But the anger and betrayal still burned inside me.

I had trusted him, even if it was just a little. And now, I felt like a fool for letting my guard down.

Simeon may think he’s won, but I wasn’t going to let him or Daniel control my life any longer. I was done playing

their games. It was time to take back the reins of my life—even if it meant walking this road alone.