Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 35

"What happened?" Emilia asked, her voice still weak.

Before Joyce could answer, Tyler cut in, his tone icy and laced with scorn. "So it looks like you're just fine, aren't you?"

He stared at Emilia, taking in nothing more than her pale face and the small bandage taped to her forehead. Anger churned inside him.

Was it all just a show? Did she and Joyce set this up together—faking a car accident just to force him to leave Vivienne and come running?

He remembered the frantic phone call in the car, Vivienne's anxious, guilt-stricken face, the way she looked like she might collapse from worry. The anger in his chest grew hotter.

No wonder Joyce wouldn't let him see Emilia earlier. He should have known better than to believe Joyce's frantic story.

As the veins in his neck stood out in fury, Tyler turned away, feeling like his concern had been a joke at his own expense.

Emilia, still groggy from her concussion, didn't understand. The wave of dizziness and nausea left her reeling.

Joyce was furious now. "Nothing happened? Can't you see the wound on her head? Did you not hear a word I just said?"

Vivienne shot back, not bothering to hide her contempt. "You mean that little bandage?"

"Vivienne!" Joyce was trembling with rage.

Vivienne stood tall, her voice righteous. "You blew up Tyler's phone, called me and screamed at him, ordered him to drop everything and come here—for that little scrape? Do you have any idea how dangerous the highway is, how risky it was for Tyler to rush over? The way you spoke, Joyce, I thought Emilia was on her deathbed!"

Emilia, Joyce—let me make something clear. I may not have much time left, but I won't just stand by and let you two treat Tyler like this!"

Vivienne's words were sharp, her posture unwavering as she stepped out from behind Tyler. Though her body trembled ever so slightly, she looked every bit the warrior defending her man.

Tyler said nothing, his dark eyes fixed on Emilia, cold and full of barely veiled disgust.

"You're out of your mind! Vivienne, I've had enough!" Joyce shrieked, lunging at Vivienne.

Suddenly, a glint of malice flashed in Vivienne's eyes.

She rammed her head into Joyce's, and in the same motion, "accidentally" shoved Tyler's arm with her body.

At that moment, Emilia—still gripping Joyce's arm—felt a force slam into her side.

She realized, too late, that she'd somehow been pushed right to the edge of the stairs.

There was a child inside her. If she fell now, down these steps—

No!

It all happened in a split second. Emilia twisted, bracing her body and desperately grabbing for the banister, praying she could steady herself in time.