Winning Her Heart Back

 Her Independence

William felt as if his chest were searing with fire from the heat of Emelie's tears.

He knew that Emelie had woken from a nightmare, and her emotions were unstable. He didn't intend to startle her.

However, when she started sobbing, he couldn't stop his body from trembling slightly. He tightened his embrace, pulling her closer to his chest.

"Angel... I've got you," he said.

Emelie wasn't the type to cry easily. It was the first time William had ever seen her in tears.

"Angel.." he repeated.

Whenever Emelie shut her eyes, the images of dismembered bodies would flood her mind.

"It's all my fault... If I hadn't gone to the Swanson family dinner, I wouldn't have been drugged. Wesley wouldn't have gotten angry, and none of this would've happened..." she said in a hoarse voice.

How could she blame herself?

William's brows knitted tightly. "No matter whose fault it is, it's definitely not yours."

Emelie pushed against his chest. "You're right. It was your fault."

William refused to let go, fearing that seeing her tear-streaked face would break him.

He said, 'It's my fault, Angel. But for now, just rest, okay? We'll deal with everything else tomorrow, alright?"

Exhausted and ill, Emelie's mind grew hazy as she closed her eyes.

William adjusted his position to make her more comfortable. He held her close, gently soothing her.

"Everything will be alright,' he said.

It was over half an hour before William felt Emelie was back into a deep sleep. He gently released her.

A dim night light was casting a soft glow by the bed. With that, he noticed the streaks of dried tears tracing her cheeks. He was afraid of waking Emelie, so he didn't dare wipe them away.

He used to think that she was too composed, too rational, and too independent. She was never one to lean on anyone.

But now, he felt an overwhelming quilt seeing her being vulnerable. He cursed himself and the entire world for letting her reach that point.

How could anyone hurt her?

William carefully tucked the blanket around her and left the bedroom.

In the guest lounge, Ashton and Fabian were waiting.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Mr. Middleton," they greeted.

"I'll pay you a month's salary in overtime. I want to know the top suspect in the Swanson Corporation explosion before dawn,' William demanded.

Ashton and Fabian exchanged a glance.

"Yes, sir." They nodded in agreement and left together.

William sat on the couch with his chin propped in one hand, deep in thought.

Suddenly, he lifted his eyes and looked at a dimly lit corner.

Though it seemed quiet, someone was there.

"Is it obliged for assassins to hide their presence anywhere and at any time?" William asked calmly.

Jodie remained unresponsive.

"Bring me the files on the Ludy Fun Park," William instructed.

Jodie furrowed her brows

"I'll take a look for her. Otherwise, she'll have to work while she's sick when she wakes up tomorrow. You might not be concerned about her well-being, but I am," William added.

Jodie hesitated before responding. "Those are confidential files from the Filo Group. If Ma'am needs help, we can handle it. There's no need to worry, Mr. Middleton."

William didn't press further and shut his eyes.

Jodie was indeed the best assassin. Though William appeared asleep, she could sense that he was merely closing his eyes. His vigilance wasn't about being wary of her taking advantage. Rather, he was waiting for the news of the explosion.

Three hours later, before dawn, Ashton and Fabian finally returned with their findings.

"Duncan Finley?" William narrowed his eyes.

"He's a security guard at the building but wasn't on duty yesterday. He swapped shifts with another guard. He changed duty because he had to attend a bonding event at his son's kindergarten today. That's why he requested a day off," Ashton explained.

She continued, "He was supposed to be stationed at the North Gate. However, the surveillance footage showed him at the South Gate. It was one of the earliest fire locations. That's highly suspicious.'

William looked at the file in his hands containing Duncan's resume. There was nothing notable among the information.

"Where is he now?" William asked.

Fabian replied, "He's one of the four deceased victims."