Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 144

Chapter 25 "You scared me to death! I heard something happened to you, and I..."

Behind Jason, Callan arrived a step later, also panting, his face filled with worry-until he saw me wrapped in Jason's arms.

His steps faltered, and he stopped in place, watching silently before turning and leaving without another word.

I called out to him, but he was already gone.

"Alright, let go," I said, patting Jason's shoulder and pushing him off.

One of my bodyguards approached, reporting, "Miss Howard, as per your instructions, we've apprehended the group of thugs.

Shall we hand them over to the police?"

Ignoring Jason's shocked expression, I nodded. "And the woman inside as well."

After the bodyguard left, Jason followed me in silence.

"What? You think I can't handle Emily?" I asked.

Jason shook his head. "You should've waited for me. You put yourself in too much danger," he said sternly.

I laughed. "If I had waited for you, it would've been too late."

"I could've protected you!"

"Do I need you?" I countered, looking him straight in the eyes.

"I don't need you-your protection, your affection, or even your regret. It's all too late, and none of it matters anymore because I'm far stronger than you."

Returning to New York ahead of schedule was unexpected.

I had planned to return three days later, but in the early hours of the morning, Emma called me. My father had fallen from upstairs, triggering a medical emergency, and had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

My father, nearing retirement due to illness, had reinstated me into Howard Group, where I immediately initiated bold changes, expanding into industries outside the company's traditional scope.

This effectively crushed my uncle's share of influence, something he and his allies on the board would never accept.

Now, with my father hospitalized, they seized the opportunity to attack.

I only owned 8% of the company's shares - gifted to me when I came of age. If my uncle chose this moment to make things difficult, I had no chance of winning.

My entry into the company was entirely thanks to my father's support.

I had planned to prove myself with bold moves and establish a foothold, but now, before I'd even begun, they were already taking advantage of my father's accident to strike.

Looking at my father lying pale and unconscious on the hospital bed, I forced myself to stay calm.

I coldly dismissed the shareholders and relatives, driving them out of the room, and then sat alone in the hospital hallway, burying my head in thought.