Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 16

Christian was a little surprised.

But deep down, this was the outcome he'd been hoping for.

When he'd called Emilia in, part of him had hoped things would play out this way.

After all, he was only the third son of the Donovan family, while Tyler was the head of the entire Erickson Group.

If it could be helped, Christian had no desire to see the two sides locked in a bitter feud.

Still, Emilia agreeing so easily caught him off guard. He'd even prepared to pull her aside for a private talk, hoping to gently persuade her.

Lost in thought, Christian frowned slightly, studying Emilia's face for a hint of what she was thinking.

But Emilia's oversized sunglasses gave nothing away, hiding her every emotion. Christian couldn't read her at all.

"Let's just go through the motions," she said.

Emilia didn't bother to explain herself in front of the others. She lowered her gaze, taking in the swirling grain on the polished oak desk in the Donovan Entertainment office, but her heart felt utterly calm.

"My song will be fully represented by Donovan Entertainment. We'll follow the company's standard procedure."

With that, Emilia glanced over at Christian.

He caught on immediately, signaling for the staff to come in and start the handover process with Vivienne.

Vivienne shot Emilia a look, a flash of disdain passing through her eyes.

"Miss Emy, your decision is certainly… unique." Vivienne's tone dripped with sarcasm, mocking Emilia for saying she'd never sell—only to cave in the end.

Emilia just smiled, offering no explanation, and stood to leave the office.

She walked down the hallway and poured herself a cup of coffee.

Christian caught up with her.

"Emilia," he called.

She turned, nodding slightly. "Mr. Donovan."

Softly, Emilia added, "I can't wait to see their reactions."

"So this is revenge?" Christian pressed.

Emilia didn't answer right away. She picked up her coffee, tasting its bitter edge.

"No," she said at last.

"I just wanted to cut ties with them and focus on my own life." She gazed out the window, where a gentle breeze stirred the leaves on the trees.

"But they insisted on forcing my hand. If they're so eager to walk into a trap, then why shouldn't I let them?"

Christian listened to Emilia's calm words, his expression growing complicated.

The Dennis family had once been a powerful force in Alden City. He and Emilia were close in age, and had always been aware of each other growing up. There was a kind of unspoken bond between them.

And back in the day, Ms. Dennis—Emilia—had been the very definition of unattainable beauty in Alden City, the woman every man dreamed of.