SEVEN

The driver arrived just in time to rescue Emma from the chaos of the city streets. As she climbed into the safety of the car, relief washed over her, but her mind churned with the events of the night. She couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal by her own cousin.

Back at the brownstone, Emma found herself facing Isabella, who was putting on a show of concern and remorse.

"I'm so sorry, Emma," Isabella said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I didn't realize you were missing until it was too late. I looked everywhere for you, but the crowd was just too overwhelming.”

Emma's eyes narrowed as she listened to Isabella's fake tears and excuses. She knew her cousin was lying, and the realization filled her with anger and disappointment.

"I find it hard to believe that you couldn't find me in the crowd, Isabella," Emma said, her voice cold and controlled. "Especially since you were the one who led me into it in the first place.”

Isabella's facade wavered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I know it looks bad, Emma, but I swear I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Emma's jaw clenched as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. She knew confronting Isabella would only lead to more lies and deception. Instead, she focused on her grandmother, who was settled back into her room, blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding around her.

The following morning, Emma woke to the sound of bustling activity in the brownstone. Charles and Helen were preparing for her grandmother's move to the nursing home, a decision that had been made without consulting Emma.

Emma's heart sank as she realized that her uncle and aunt were determined to send her grandmother away, regardless of her wishes. She knew she had to confront them, to fight for her grandmother's right to stay in the only home she had left.

As they gathered in the living room, Emma took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead.

"Uncle Charles, Aunt Helen," she began, her voice steady but firm. "I understand that you believe this is the best decision for Grandma, but she deserves to have a say in her own future.”

Charles looked uncomfortable, his gaze shifting away from Emma's determined stare. "Emma, we've discussed this. The nursing home is equipped to provide the care she needs. It's for the best."

Emma shook her head, her frustration mounting. "It's not about what you think is best, Uncle Charles. It's about what Grandma wants. And from what I've seen, she's happy here, surrounded by family.”

Helen stepped forward, her expression icy. "Emma, we've made arrangements for Mother's care. It's time for you to accept that and move on."

Emma's temper flared at her aunt's dismissive tone. "I won't accept it, Aunt Helen. Grandma deserves better than to be shipped off to a nursing home against her will. She's not just some inconvenience to be dealt with."

Charles sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Emma, please. We're only trying to do what's best for everyone.”

Emma felt a surge of determination as she met her uncle's gaze. "Then let's do what's best for Grandma. Let her stay here, where she's loved and cared for. I promise to take responsibility for her well-being."

There was a tense silence in the room as Charles and Helen exchanged glances. Emma held her breath, waiting for their response.

Emma's heart raced as she faced her uncle's fury. She could see the desperation in his eyes, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. But his outburst only fueled her determination to fight for her grandmother's rights.

Uncle Charles, I understand that you're doing what you think is best," Emma said, her voice calm but resolute. "But shipping Grandma off to a nursing home isn't the answer. She deserves to spend her remaining years in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family who love her.”

Charles's expression softened slightly, but his frustration was still evident. "Emma, I've done everything I can to provide for her. But the reality is, we can't afford to keep her here. The nursing home will provide the care she needs, and I've already made arrangements.”

Emma felt a surge of anger at her uncle's dismissive attitude. "Money isn't everything, Uncle Charles. Grandma's happiness and well-being should come first. And as for university, I appreciate your efforts, but my priority right now is taking care of Grandma.”

Charles sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just want what's best for everyone, Emma. I hope you can understand that.”

Charles threatened Emma with all the money he had spent—when she said they would go back to the countryside.

Emma's heart sank as Charles's tone turned menacing. His words were like a cold slap in the face, a stark reminder of the power he held over their lives.

"You want to give me a bad name over there," he barked, his voice dripping with anger and frustration. "You're going nowhere."

Emma felt a surge of fear and defiance rise within her. She refused to be intimidated by her uncle's threats, no matter how dire they sounded.

"I won't let you control us with your money, Uncle Charles," she said, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands. "We deserve better than to be held hostage by your wealth."

Charles's eyes narrowed, his face contorted with rage. "You think you can just walk away from everything I've done for you? Think again, Emma. You're staying right here, where I can keep an eye on you.”

But Emma refused to back down. She knew that their future depended on breaking free from Charles's suffocating grip, no matter the cost.

"I won't let you dictate our lives any longer," she said, her voice ringing with determination. "We're leaving, whether you like it or not.”

Charles barked at her,you dare not! You don't know where you are.Grandma is going to the nursing home tomorrow morning.He ordered Emma to be locked up in her room.