Chapter 55

55 Complex Ties Following their heated exchange, Alex began to realize that Emma might actually be struggling financially. She had left their marriage without asking for any financial support, and the thought made him reconsider his family’s assumption about owing her compensation. This realization made Alex’s previous notions seem almost absurd, and he struggled to comprehend how to approach Emma now.

Emma, unfazed, dismissed him with a sharp retort. “Why don’t you focus on helping Bella? She’s desperately trying to join Maxwell’s concert lineup. After everything she’s done for you, bothering me seems rather heartless, doesn’t it?”

Alex was taken aback, unaware that Emma knew about the concert. He mistakenly thought Emma was in touch with Bella, not knowing Tom’s involvement. Alex had stumbled upon messages and photos Bella sent to Emma over the years, leading him to believe there was something more between them.

Overwhelmed, Alex hastily left the scene, followed by his companion Nathan.

As Emma and Tom settled back into the calm of the restaurant, Tom shared a rumor: Bella was planning to move abroad. “It seems like Alex is giving her an out. Maybe he’s arranging terms for her stay. She’s burned bridges here, and her agency is on the brink of dropping her.”

Tom kept to himself his thoughts about Bella’s notorious agency, wary of how Maxwell might react if he knew.

“That’s interesting,” Emma mused. “If she wants to stay, let them sort it out. They should stay out of others‘ lives.”

Returning home, Emma found Maxwell in a surprisingly relaxed state. As she confronted him, Maxwell initially avoided her, signaling his reluctance to engage.

“Hey, you can’t ignore me. If you have something to say, why send Tom? Why can’t you tell me directly?” Emma challenged.

Maxwell, irked, finally faced her. “Who do you think you are? You cut ties with me after your marriage.

Why should I talk to you now?”

Their conversation rekindled the bitterness of their argument three years ago.

“Still holding that against me? I admit, I was wrong. But do we have to revisit it constantly?” Emma’s frustration was evident, but her brother’s reaction drew a reluctant smile from her.

Maxwell softened slightly. “I’m not holding it against you. It’s all on Bella. At the concert, you better perform well. And don’t fall for just any charming words. Remember, you’re an heir to this family. Don’t be swayed by flattery.”

Emma, grappling with her pride, had to concede. She couldn’t argue given her past actions.

“Fine, I was wrong,” Emma conceded, knowing Maxwell wouldn’t easily forgive her.

“Admitting your mistake is a good start. But you can make it better by joining me on stage for a song 55 Complex Ties at the concert. If you do not show up, consider our deal off.”

Emma’s heart sank at the thought of sharing the stage with Maxwell, fearing the overwhelming attention from his fans.