Five Years Later — NEW YORK CITY, 10:12 AM**

Emily’s Point of View~

The Gills family had lived on the Gills Estate in New York for many years. The private park surrounding it was accessible only to the elite and powerful—people like us. Our penthouse was one of the largest in the city, an iconic structure that stood as a symbol of wealth and prestige, worthy of belonging to one of the richest families in New York.

With ruby-tinted lips curved into a smile, I stepped out of my car and made my way toward the luxurious building. I hadn’t spent time with my foster family in so long. Anticipation filled me as I imagined their reactions when they saw me.

The grand double doors opened, and two uniformed maids greeted me with warm smiles.

They were clearly happy to see me again—I could see it in their eyes.

Removing my shades, I walked inside, my heels clicking softly against the polished tiles as I entered the spacious sitting room.

“Welcome back, Emerald!”

With excitement, my sister Ursula rushed forward and wrapped me in a tight hug.

I gasped slightly, trying to catch my breath as she finally pulled away.

“Sorry,” she laughed, her smile wide and genuine.

“I’m just so happy to see you. I thought you wouldn’t leave Paris after spending so much time there,” she teased, making me smile even more.

A soft clearing of a throat interrupted us.

I turned sharply—and my face lit up the moment I saw my brother, Roberts.

He stood a few feet away, dressed sharply in his military uniform, his expression as stoic as ever. He rarely smiled, but that never bothered me.

I walked up to him and pulled him into a hug.

He hadn’t changed.

Still cold. Still intense.

“Good to have you back, Emily,” he said.

My brows furrowed as I looked up at him.

The naïve Emily who once left Logan behind no longer existed. I wasn’t that woman anymore.

“I’ve told you several times to stop calling me that,” I corrected firmly. “I’m Emerald, Roberts.”

To my surprise, he smiled faintly.

“Emerald doesn’t want to be reminded of the past, Robert,” Ursula chimed in. “That name only brings back buried memories and healed scars. You wouldn’t want those wounds to reopen, would you?”

She was right.

After Logan threw me out of his life, I vowed never to return to that version of myself again. I came back to my foster family—the people who had always stood by me.

They welcomed me with open arms.

Not long after, I moved to Paris to pursue one of my greatest dreams—becoming a jeweler.

During my time there, I created exquisite pieces that quickly gained recognition, earning me fame in the industry.

“Where’s Dad?” I asked, my voice softening.

I had rushed back from Paris the moment I heard about his illness.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer, he had continued running the company, keeping his condition hidden from almost everyone.

“Emerald… he’s not getting better,” Ursula said quietly, a sad smile tugging at her lips.

My heart tightened.

I made my way to his room, where the sound of his coughing greeted me before I even stepped inside.

“Dad…” I whispered as I walked over and sat beside him.

Tears slipped down my cheeks at the sight of him.

He looked weaker than I remembered.

I hadn’t been around much. Even when I visited from Paris, my stays were always brief.

He had been managing the company alongside Roberts. Although Roberts was the president of Imperial Holdings, his military duties barely gave him time to focus on it.

Ursula, being a flight attendant, was rarely available too.

We had all left him to carry the burden alone.

Guilt washed over me.

“Dad, I’m sorry… I didn’t know you were this sick,” I said, hugging him gently.

He smiled warmly, cupping my face and pinching my nose playfully.

“You’ve been too busy chasing your dreams,” he said softly. “Even your son misses you terribly.”

My heart sank.

He knew everything—about how I had once thrown my life away for a man who never cared for me.

“You’ve gone back to your old self,” he teased lightly. “An arrogant, sharp-tongued, fearless Emerald.”

“Dad…” I sighed, pouting slightly. “Please don’t remind me of that man.”

He chuckled—but it quickly turned into a coughing fit.

“Sorry, Dad,” I murmured, rubbing his back gently.

“Stay here with us,” he said after a moment. “Build a proper relationship with your son. He needs you. I’m proud of what you’ve achieved… but I’m not as strong as I used to be.”

“Don’t say that,” I replied quickly. “You’ll be fine. I’ll make sure you get the best care.”

He squeezed my hands and smiled.

Just then, the door opened.

Carl.

My son.

My face lit up instantly.

He ran toward me, and I knelt down, pulling him into my arms. Tears filled my eyes as I kissed his cheeks repeatedly.

“I missed you so much, Mom,” he said, his small voice trembling. “Please don’t leave me again. Grandpa takes care of me, but he’s sick now… I don’t like staying with the nannies. I want you.”

My heart broke.

“I’m here now,” I whispered, holding him close. “I’m not going back to Paris.”

“Emerald,” my father called, drawing my attention.

“Why don’t you take over the jewelry company?” he said.

I looked at him, surprised.

“Your mother started it, and I’ve managed it since her passing. But my health… won’t allow me to continue much longer. You’ve proven your talent—especially with your work in Paris. I trust you.”

He paused before continuing.

“Roberts is too busy with the military, and Ursula will soon relocate to Australia. You’re the only one capable of leading the company.”

I took a deep breath, absorbing his words.

He was right.

People often referred to me as a *goddess of design* because of my craftsmanship.

The Gills family was one of the most respected families in New York, known for owning one of the finest jewelry companies in the country.

Imperial Holdings had built a legacy of luxury and excellence.

Most of our pieces were worth millions—crafted from gold, diamonds, and rare gemstones.

And now… he wanted me to take over.

“Our company has received multiple partnership requests,” he continued. “One of them is from M&M Company—owned by Logan.”

My heart skipped.

His name still had that effect.

“I haven’t approved anything yet,” Dad added. “I was waiting for your decision. What do you say?”

I hesitated.

Before I could respond, Roberts placed a hand on my shoulder.

“This is your chance,” he said firmly. “Don’t let it slip away. Use your power wisely… especially against those who wronged you.”

His words ignited something within me.

A spark of anger.

A desire for justice.

I had promised myself long ago that I would rise above the pain—and make those who hurt me regret it.

“I’m offering this because she deserves it,” Dad interjected. “Not for revenge.”

Then he looked at me again.

“Well, Emerald? Do you accept?”

I exhaled slowly.

“Yes… I accept.”

A faint smile appeared on his face.

“There’s an upcoming auction,” he continued. “It’s an annual event for elite jewelry brands. You’ll attend as the representative of Imperial Holdings.”

My eyes widened.

“That soon?”

“Yes. Next month—at the Mariano Empire. My secretary, Hilda, will send you all the details. I also want you to publicly reveal yourself as the new chairwoman.”

“Okay, Dad,” I nodded. “I won’t disappoint you.”

“I know you won’t.”

---

Later, in my room, I called Hilda and requested the guest list for the event.

She sent it within minutes.

As I scanned through the names…

I saw it.

“The Michaelson family.”

A slow smirk curved my lips.

*Logan…*

I can’t wait to see you again.

After all—

Revenge is best served cold.