Chapter 26

Tyler pulled Emelie into his arms. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I'll handle it. They won't affect you."

Emelie looked up at his serious face and smiled. "How powerful are you, really?"

"You'll find out," Tyler replied, his cold demeanor melting into a warm, affectionate smile.

With Tyler's intervention, other news stories quickly overshadowed the drama surrounding Emelie and the Hortons. Anthony and Marcelo received official warnings from the authorities to cease any actions that could harm Emelie's reputation. Their faces darkened upon reading them.

Meanwhile, Connor, engrossed in intense training, saw the news and understood Tyler's involvement. He didn't react, only gently caressing Emelie's smiling face on his phone's screensaver. Time and distance hadn't diminished his feelings; his longing had only intensified. Memories flooded his mind, but he resolutely reminded himself to avoid her, determined not to let her hate him.

Anthony and Marcelo, however, remained resolute. They purchased another villa in Mirage Heights and waited for Emelie's return from her honeymoon.

"Emelie…" Anthony's voice was hoarse, his eyes bloodshot as he gazed at her, as if memorizing her features. Marcelo, pale and fragile, murmured, "We're sorry, Emelie. It's our fault. Melissa and Stephanie are in custody. They've been punished, and we realize our mistakes. Can you…"

He never finished his plea for forgiveness.

Emelie firmly interrupted, "No. You should have apologized long ago, but I don't want to forgive you."

For a moment, they were speechless, regretful yet helpless against her refusal. They had always been powerless against her.

Before they could speak again, Tyler's security detail surrounded them. "Mr. Horton, please leave." The bodyguards closed in, blocking their path.

In a surge of frustration, Anthony shoved a guard aside and rushed to Emelie. His eyes burned with intensity. "Emelie, have you truly fallen for Tyler? What about us? When you came to me that day, were you confessing your feelings? That love letter was for me, wasn't it?"

His voice trembled as he posed the question that tormented him. "I want to marry you. I can wait for you after your divorce. Please, don't give up on me."

The once proud and unyielding man now hung his head, begging desperately.

Emelie didn't hesitate. Leaning into Tyler's embrace, she replied firmly, "No, that letter wasn't for you. I never wanted to confess to you, and I don't need a second option. You're just a brother to me, Anthony. Please, stop. I don't need you anymore. And you too, Marcelo. I'm starting a new life with Tyler. You both need to move on."

Taking Tyler's hand, she turned to leave. Tyler looked back at Anthony and Marcelo with a steely warning before softening his gaze for Emelie.

"Emelie, it's too noisy here. Shall we go somewhere quieter?"

"Of course," she replied.

The upscale villa district was usually peaceful; the only disruption came from Anthony and Marcelo, who watched Emelie's retreating figure, their hearts heavy with despair.

Just a brother? For over two decades, they had envisioned her as their future wife. How could they accept this reality? Hadn't they apologized enough? Why was this still happening? Desolation enveloped them both.

Back home, Anthony, childlike in his persistence, wrote another apology letter to Emelie. A box full of such letters, sent to Emelie's new address, remained unsigned and returned unopened. Piles of unsent apologies and confessions stacked up in his office.

Meanwhile, the Horton Group quietly withdrew the "Mel" jewelry collection from the market, removing related articles. In a further attempt to win Emelie back, Anthony launched a new line of jewelry and products called "Apology," hoping she might forgive him. Tyler's protective measures thwarted Anthony's attempts to encounter her, leaving this as his only recourse.

Marcelo, meanwhile, publicly apologized to Emelie during a livestream, announcing his retirement from the entertainment industry. Facing his saddened fans, he confessed, "I entered the entertainment world because Emelie once said I looked like a star. Now, she no longer wants me, so there's no reason to continue." His abrupt departure left no room for persuasion. Though mourned by his fans, the news eventually subsided.

He bought a dessert shop near Vaughn Corporation, hoping for glimpses of Emelie visiting Tyler. This was his only way to secretly observe her.

One day, Emelie visited the shop, ordering a slice of cake. The familiar taste resembled Marcelo's baking. She smiled, though. If it were him, the shop would be bustling.

After a call, she left, accidentally leaving a medical report behind. Marcelo, watching from the back, retrieved it. His heart sank as he read the results.

Chapter 26

"She's pregnant?" He forced a bitter smile. He'd hoped for reconciliation, but now, it seemed impossible.

Meanwhile, Emelie arrived at Tyler's office, brimming with excitement. She hugged him from behind. "Tyler, we're having a baby!"

Overwhelmed with joy, Tyler embraced her, kissing her forehead. "I love you, Emelie."

They clung together, unaware of Connor standing in the corner, holding a trophy, his heart heavy. He'd just won a competition, eager to share his victory, only to receive this devastating news—a news he'd secretly anticipated. Pain surged within him, but he placed the trophy on the desk, affecting composure.

"Congratulations, Emelie. Take this trophy… for the baby. I need to go. The coach is calling."

He hurried from the club, immersing himself in games, trying to numb the pain. Hours later, exhausted and empty, two silent tears streamed down his face.

"It's time to give up, Connor. It's time to give up, Anthony, Marcelo," he whispered.

Connor soon reached the age limit for his club and retired, joining the family business alongside Anthony. This self-imposed restriction prevented them from seeking out Emelie. There was no other choice but to let go.