Chapter 3 - The Ambush
The annual Midwest Green Technology Summit was the premier corporate event of the season, hosted at the Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel. Over five hundred executives, scientists, and investors gathered under crystal chandeliers to view the latest advancements in clean energy.
Emma stood near the main presentation stage, wearing an elegant emerald-green silk dress, a flute of champagne in her hand as she spoke with a group of international investors.
Beside her stood Richard Miller—a forty-year-old handsome, silver-tempered venture capitalist who had funded Emma’s research four years ago and had been her steadfast partner ever since.
"You look distracted tonight, darling," Richard said gently, leaning down to slip a supportive arm around her waist. "Is it the presentation?"
"No," Emma lied softly, forcing a smile. "Just thinking about the boys."
"They're fine with David," Richard reassured her, kissing her temple softly. "Tonight is about your hard work. In twenty minutes, when we announce our merger, your company becomes the industry leader."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," a icy, commandingly powerful voice interrupted from the edge of the carpet.
Emma turned. Her champagne glass nearly slipped from her fingers.
Blake walked into the light of the chandelier, flanked by four corporate lawyers. He wore a custom charcoal Tom Ford suit, but his eyes were bloodshot, dark circles carved deep beneath them. He hadn't slept in forty-eight hours.
"Blake," Emma said, her voice turning cold as ice. "This is a private corporate function. You don't belong here."
"I own thirty-five percent of the voting shares of the venue’s parent company, Emma," Blake replied, stepping up to her, completely ignoring Richard’s presence. "I belong wherever I want."
Richard stepped forward, placing himself between Blake and Emma. "Mr. Harrington. I suggest you turn around before I have venue security escort you out."
Blake’s gaze finally snapped to Richard. The look in Blake’s eyes was pure, predatory hatred.
"You must be Richard," Blake said, his voice dropping into a dangerous rumble. "The man who’s been sleeping in my wife’s bed and playing house with my sons."
"She is not your wife!" Emma snapped, her eyes flashing with fury. "You signed those divorce papers five years ago! You forfeited every right to my life!"
Blake reached into his inner suit jacket and pulled out a rolled document, tossing it onto the high-top cocktail table between them.
"I never filed the secondary decree in New York County, Emma," Blake said, a sinister, desperate smile spreading across his lips. "Check the court registry. Our divorce was suspended due to a filing technicality five years ago. Legally, you are still Emma Harrington."
Emma’s breath hitched in her throat. Richard’s face flushed red with shock.
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"You're insane!" Emma whispered. "You did that on purpose?!"
"No," Blake admitted, stepping around Richard until he was inches away from Emma, his voice dropping to a desperate whisper that only she could hear. "I didn't file it five years ago because even when I thought you broke my heart, I couldn't bear the thought of never being able to bring you back. And now that I know the truth... I’m never letting you go again."
