billion book
Chapter 83
Chapter 83
83 Unveiled Tensions
In the quiet of the morning, Emma found herself caught between laughter and frustration. The media’s
sudden interest in her life was a foreign, unwelcome sensation. Never before had she been thrust into
such a public spectacle. Her life with Alex, always away from the prying eyes of the media, had been a
stark contrast to her current situation.
Maxwell’s call came as a sharp reminder of her upcoming role in his concert. “Warm up those vocal
cords. Don’t embarrass me on stage,” he warned, half joking, half–serious. His words left Emma feeling
trapped; despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to acquiesce to his demands. Maxwell, a
renowned superstar, would not take kindly to his sister, unpracticed and unsure, becoming a liability to
his performance.
In the following days, Emma’s life became the subject of intense online speculation. Her identity,
though not fully uncovered, was a hot topic among netizens. Jada, looking at Emma with a mix of
concern and exasperation, said, “The netizens are relentless. They’ve already sniffed out your identity.
Our company’s about to be dragged into this. You need a plan.”
Emma knew her position in the company was precarious. Without significant achievements to her
name, maintaining a low profile was essential. However, Maxwell’s announcement had unwittingly
catapulted her into a storm of unwanted attention.
“I’ll speak to Maxwell,” Emma resolved. “If necessary, we might have to go public with our relationship.
But Jada, if we reveal it, the company could be swamped with media requests. They might even try to
turn me into a new celebrity sensation.”
Jada nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “It’s a double–edged sword, Emma. Be
careful.”
The next morning, the household was shaken by a commotion downstairs. Emma, alarmed, rushed to
find Maxwell being disciplined by Wayne, their father, Stark, watching with a stern expression. Maxwell,
despite his physical fitness, was no match for Wayne’s punishing regimen.
“You’ve caused an uproar with your thoughtless actions,” Stark scolded Maxwell, his disappointment
evident. He had learned from his secretary about Emma’s trending status online, which brought
unwanted attention and potential harm to Emma’s reputation, especially so soon after her divorce.
Maxwell, stubborn and defiant, argued his point. “I only meant to clear things up. Revealing our
relationship will put an end to these rumors, won’t it?”
Wayne’s patience wore thin. “You fail to see the impact this could have on Emma’s life. Have you
considered the consequences at all?”
Maxwell, undeterred, stood his ground. “If we don’t make it public, who will protect her? When Alex
wronged her, none of us stepped in. Keeping her identity hidden isn’t protection.”
Wayne and Stark were unmoved. They had always intended to shield Emma’s true identity from the
public. But Emma, descending the stairs, intervened.
83 Unveiled Terisions
“Stop this, both of you. Maxwell did this for me, and I agreed to it.”
Her intervention softened their harsh demeanor instantly. Despite their disapproval, Emma’s voice
carried weight in the family.
Wayne, however, remained firm. “He acted recklessly, Emma.”
Emma’s reply was calm but firm. “This isn’t just about recklessness. If not for what happened three
years ago, I would’ve been at his concerts already. This is just picking up where we left off.”
Her words resonated in the room, a reminder of the paths their lives had taken and the choices they
had made. The family stood in a tense silence, each contemplating the implications of their actions.
and the unfolding consequences of Maxwell’s decision.