Blake knew her all too well, aware that even her seemingly innocent smiles could be a facade.
"Can we move this conversation elsewhere? Would you mind if I invite you to my office?" Emily asked earnestly.
"Follow me," Blake said indifferently.
If Richard intended to use Emily as a spy, he was grossly underestimating Blake's vigilance. Blake's fearlessness stemmed from his confidence in handling any situation.
Emily followed meekly, her eyes occasionally darting to Blake in the elevator.
His tall and sturdy figure exuded a sense of security that made her yearn for reliance.
Blake kept his gaze fixed forward, ignoring her. Emily's heart ached once more, and she looked down.
Upon reaching his office, Blake glanced at his watch. "You have five minutes. I have a meeting to attend," he said with restraint.
Emily didn't take offense and nodded before kneeling down.
"What are you doing?" Blake's expression hardened, a flicker of coldness in his eyes.
"Blake, I'm here to sincerely apologize. Please allow me to kneel while I speak," Emily insisted, realizing the gravity of her mistake and seeking redemption.
"Get up and talk," Blake said coldly, unswayed.
"No, I can't bring myself to stand. I know I've erred, Blake. I've wronged you, nearly causing you harm. You're my most important family member. I must have lost my mind to side with Richard against you!" Emily wept as she spoke, her grief overwhelming.
Blake remained unmoved, observing her "performance" with detachment.
"Richard sent you here for what? Recording or filming?" Blake's skepticism persisted, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"No, no, no! Richard didn't send me. I came on my own to apologize and offer help!" Emily raised her head, her expression earnest.
"Help me?" Blake sneered. "You know what you've done. Are you seeking forgiveness? Emily, I once overlooked your mistakes for the sake of family, but I can't be lenient now."
"I don't need your forgiveness. Send me to the police if you will. I deserve a lifetime in jail, and I'll accept it without a word. I just feel overwhelming guilt and remorse," Emily said, covering her face in agony.
"Oh? You're willing to go to jail? Emily, what's your new scheme this time?" Blake couldn't bring himself to believe her. Once so proud and attached to her comfortable life, she seemed unlikely to give up everything.
"I am. I'm ready to atone for my mistakes." Emily gazed deeply at Blake through her tears, enunciating each word: "I truly am."
Blake narrowed his eyes. Despite his distrust, her tearful sincerity seemed genuine.
"Why help me? I can offer you nothing," Blake said, arms crossed in a stern manner.
"I want no rewards. I just want to see Richard ruined!" Emily's voice trembled with hatred.
Blake's gaze sharpened. "You two have had a falling out?"
"I respected him like a father, and he treated me like a pawn. I despise him, wish him dead!"
Emily clenched her fists, her face contorted with fury.
Blake crouched before her, studying her trembling expression. "What did he do to you?"
Touched by his concern, Emily burst into tears. "He... he sold me to an old man. Blake, I'm filthy, too ashamed to even look at you."
"Is this true?" Blake was taken aback.
He hadn't anticipated Richard's cruelty toward his own adopted daughter, sending her to another man's mercy. It was heartless and despicable.
"I never expected him to go this far. Perhaps he thought I was useless and, since I was bound for prison, he decided to discard me to that man. Blake, I've contemplated suicide countless times, unable to bear my filth, but I hesitated because I wanted to apologize to you and see Richard punished," Emily wailed, her tears streaming uncontrollably.
Blake asked coldly, "Who is that man?"
"Baldwin Waleri," Emily replied instantly.
Blake recognized the name. Baldwin was a merchant with minor oil resources, boasting undue influence in the business world. He hadn't expected Richard to ally with him so swiftly.
"Yes, Blake, I'm not lying. I truly want to stand by you this time. Please don't doubt me. I promise I won't cling to you emotionally. I know I don't deserve you," Emily said, her head bowed in a display of dejection and pain.
Blake helped her to her feet. "Prove your sincerity."
Gazing at Blake's hand on her arm, Emily felt a flicker of warmth.
How long had it been since he'd last touched her?
Even through clothing, his current gesture filled her with a faint sense of comfort.