Chapter 6
The next morning, Emelie awoke to find the Horton brothers missing. She casually switched on the television, only to find Anthony’s press conference airing live.
“Mr. Horton,” a reporter asked, “can you tell us the meaning behind the name of your latest jewelry collection, ‘Mel’?”
Anthony, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, held the microphone with practiced ease. His eyes softened with a gentle smile as he explained, “‘Mel’ is named after someone very important to me. Her presence brought immense joy to my world.” A stunned silence momentarily filled the room before erupting into excited screams.
“Mr. Horton,” another reporter eagerly pressed, “who is this ‘Mel’? Is she your special someone? As far as we know, you’re currently single. Is this collection a public declaration of love?”
Emelie, without waiting for an answer, switched channels with an indifferent expression. The screen now displayed the Auroras Awards ceremony.
The host announced, “And the Best Actor Award goes to… Marcelo Horton! Let’s welcome him to the stage to accept his award and deliver his speech.” Thunderous applause filled the hall as the audience celebrated the youngest actor to win two major national film awards.
Marcelo, walking gracefully onto the stage, uttered with a small smile, “It’s a great honor to receive this award. I want to thank the production team and my family. But most of all, I want to thank someone special. Her name is Melissa. She gave me strength and support throughout filming, and I want to share this honor with her.”
The crowd roared its approval as Marcelo stepped offstage, took a woman’s hand, and led her back onto the stage. Emelie quickly changed the channel again.
This time, it was the finals of an esports tournament. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the audience held its breath at the match's climax. Connor’s team secured an overwhelming victory, claiming the championship title.
As team captain, Connor led his teammates to the podium. After receiving the trophy, he turned to the cameras with a playful grin, kissed the trophy, and declared loudly, “Melissa! Did you see that? I won! This trophy is for you. From now on, you’re not alone. You have me to care for and protect you!” The crowd went wild.
Just then, Emelie’s phone vibrated. A message from Melissa appeared: “Ms. Richmond, did you see that? Even after leaving the Horton family, my mom and I are doing just fine. Sorry to disappoint you.” Several screenshots of the Horton brothers mentioning her name during their public appearances were attached.
Emelie sneered and ignored the message. At that moment, the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find a sharply dressed young man.
“Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn,” he said. “I’m Lionel, Mr. Vaughn’s assistant. Mr. Vaughn has asked me to escort you to view your new home. Are you available now?”
Emelie paused, then hastily replied, “Please have Tyler decide. I’m fine with whatever he picks.”
Lionel shook his head firmly. “Mr. Vaughn specifically instructed that you are to make the decisions. The Vaughn family tradition is to always prioritize the lady’s wishes.”
Emelie was stunned. Since losing her parents at a young age, she had always felt like an outsider, even in the Horton family, despite Ezra and Kaitlyn’s kindness. This was the first time she truly felt she was about to have a home of her own. Warmth surged through her heart as she nodded in agreement.