Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 224

Emilia took a steadying breath and told herself not to overthink things—at least not yet. First priority: pick up Bella from preschool, or they’d be late.

Besides, Christian needed some time to handle a few matters on his end.

He’d already messaged to say everything was sorted, so there was no need for her to rush.

With that thought, Emilia relaxed. She focused on the drive to collect Bella.

But something was off with Bella this morning. It seemed like she wanted to tell Emilia something but held back. The director of the preschool was the same—almost saying something, then stopping short.

Emilia glanced from Bella to the director, waiting for one of them to speak.

But in the end, neither Bella nor the director said a word.

Emilia chose not to press. She figured they had their reasons and respected their choice to keep quiet.

“Ready to go?” she asked gently.

Bella nodded, and Emilia picked up her backpack. Together, they headed toward the preschool entrance.

Just as Bella was about to walk inside, she hesitated, then turned and asked, “Miss Emilia, can you pick me up this afternoon?”

Usually, Emilia was the one who picked Bella up. If she couldn’t make it, she’d send someone Bella knew—Joyce and her brother, Jayden and his brother, or Christian. Bella never asked about pickups. If she brought it up now, it meant she really hoped Emilia would come.

Emilia smiled and brushed a stray curl from Bella’s round cheek.

Squatting down so she was eye-level, Emilia said, “I’ll do my best to come. If I can’t, I promise I’ll see you tonight. No matter what, you’ll see me today, okay?”

Bella beamed, her eyes curving with happiness, and nodded firmly before running inside.

But after only a couple of steps, she seemed to remember something, dashed back, and planted a quick kiss on Emilia’s cheek.

Then, giggling, she hurried off to join her class.

Emilia touched her cheek, a smile lighting up her eyes.

Her bond with Bella was growing stronger every day.

Christian tapped his fingers on the solid wood table, clearly debating how to put things into words.

That alone surprised Emilia. Christian was never one to hesitate or mince words. What on earth could leave him so tongue-tied?

The thought made Emilia blurt out, “Seriously, what is it?”

“I do think about things, you know!” Christian grumbled, exasperated. His father had called him thick-headed just last night. The nerve!

He sighed. “Whatever, I’ll just tell you straight. This morning, at Donovan Manor…”

Two hours earlier.

Donovan Manor.

Christian had been watching everything from the shadows.

The moment the boss or Wyatt showed up, he was ready to stir the pot.