Chapter 16: Emotional Entanglements
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"I can give you anything you desire," he said eagerly, his hand sliding inappropriately to her waist. "Just leave Thompson behind."
Zoe feigned emotional conflict while deftly sidestepping his touch. "This is happening so fast..."
"I've never felt this way about anyone—certainly not my first wife," Michael insisted, capturing her hand. "Rachel was just a business arrangement. You're the woman I genuinely desire."
"Your first wife? Rachel Williams?" she asked innocently. "I heard her death was quite sudden."
"Don't mention her," Michael said with undisguised contempt. "That pathetic woman had nothing but her family connections. Couldn't even carry a pregnancy to term. Completely worthless."
Zoe swallowed her rage. "They said it was a drowning accident?"
"Accident?" Michael sneered, the expensive whiskey loosening his tongue. "Few things in this world are truly accidents."
Zoe's pulse quickened. "What exactly are you saying?"
Michael suddenly seemed to catch himself. "Nothing. I heard Thompson Industries is facing some liquidity issues?"
Zoe smoothly took the bait she'd planted. "Yes, but I have a solution. The company pension fund could be temporarily... repurposed. No one would ever know."
From his hidden position, Jack observed the exchange coldly, recording every incriminating word.
As she prepared to leave, Michael pressed an elegant jewelry box into her hands. "A token of my affection."
Opening it, Zoe froze at the sight of her diamond necklace—the very one she'd worn the night of her "death," her parents' gift.
"This... is too much," she managed, fighting to keep her voice steady despite the shock.
"This necklace is truly priceless," Michael said smugly. "Now it has a more deserving owner."
Zoe maintained her composure as she accepted the gift. But once safely in the car, her hands began to shake violently as tears finally escaped.
Without a word, Jack pulled her into his arms. The unexpected embrace made Zoe stiffen momentarily before she melted against him, silent tears soaking his shoulder.
"I'm here," Jack murmured, those two simple words somehow anchoring her in the storm of emotions.
