Chapter 4 The Headline

"Emma," Nora groaned picking up her phone, Thankfully it did not crack but it was slightly scratched.

"That is not true... I... I read wrong, I might need glasses soon," Emma stuttered staring at Nora.

Different emotions ran through her body, confusion, anger, astonishment, all sorts of emotions.

"Babe," Nora tried to hold her but she raised her hand in disapproval.

"Emma, is it true you are getting married to the impotent billionaire?" A student walked up to her.

"It has to be, her dad's agency released it," another girl replied.

"I don't have that much expectation from you but... the impotent billionaire? Duh, is your family that desperate for wealth?" The first girl mocked.

"Mind what you say," Nora glared at the girl.

"I can't be here," Emma ran out of the hall.

"Run after her," the girl gestured in the direction Emma went

Nora felt the urge to teach the girl a lesson but Emma needs her to be around not beat some useless piece of crap.

The girl smiles in victory as she watches Nora go after Emma.

★★

"Alfred!" Jessica barged into his office in fury, but her anger was subdued when she met him in a meeting.

"That will be all gentlemen," Alfred smiled at the businessmen who looked pleased, The article was helping his company and that was just the tip of the iceberg.

He planned on doing more with Nathaniel Harper.

"Jessica," Alfred loosened his button as he walked back to his chair.

"What is this?" She threw her phone on his desk, he glanced at it and saw the

headline.

"It is what it is," he shrugged, he has lots of agencies signing with him now so he is very busy.

"You are selling your daughter to get your company back on its feet?" She questioned in disbelief.

"Don't put it that way," he mumbled moving his mouse randomly.

"It is what it is," Jessica replied glaring at him.

"Look... This is an opportunity for our company and Emma, it's not like I am endangering her life. The company needs this, we need this..." Jessica's eyes were on him as he tried to come up with a reasonable explanation.

"Stop giving me that look," he rested his head on his chair, Burying himself at work was the best way he knew not to feel guilty but Jessica was taking them away from him.

"Dad!" Emma screamed barging into his office.

Alfred could feel his head swell, he avoided her this morning but now he is faced with his biggest fear.

"That was a joke, the news was a prank... Umm.. a... a rumor, that is what it is," her voice trembled as she spoke.

"Dear," Alfred stood up and walked to her, he held her by the shoulder trying his best to look at her but he could not.

"I'm sorry," was all he could mutter.

"For what? Why will you apologize?" Her voice sounded calm and sad.

"Dear..." He sighed and turned to Jessica pleading for help but she started away.

"Sit," he gestured at the couch but she refused

"There is no need dad, if that is just a rumor I have no reason to sit... right aunt?" She turned to Jessica.

"Erm... Right, Alfred explains to her what's going on," she said and Alfred mentally cupped his face.

Does she need to add fuel to the fire? Emma is not going to take things lightly with him, he already hurt her.

"Emma," he called.

"Yes, Dad," she responds immediately.

"You love Lindsay don't you?" He asked.

"Of course, I do... but what does this have to do with Lindsay?" She asked.

"The news is true," he bowed his head whilst Emma stared in confusion, What does he mean true? Could it be a new version of a rumor?

"Dad... I don't understand," she muttered.

"Dear," Jessica walked up to her.

"You are getting married soon," Alfred forced the word out of his throat.

"That's not true, Even if it is I am not doing it," she walked out of the office.

"Your conscience should eat you up," Jessica shot arrows with her eyes before following Emma.

"I am sorry, honey," Alfred muttered diving his fingers into his hair.

~~~

Immediately Nathaniel sat in his car dialed Drake's number and he started talking almost immediately.

"Call for an emergency meeting," he ended the call and went through his phone for a moment before sending a text to a number.

•Harper Corp•

The employees ran shelter skelter as they became twice busy some even cursed the fact that Nathaniel was getting married whilst some rejoice because there would be a bonus as they were making great profit.

The news was surely helping both companies, Nathaniel walked into his office with a few employees running behind him.

"Call the winery, I want the new wine released next week," he ordered and a guy nodded before leaving.

"Raise the price of our stocks, get on with the new construction too," Drake gestured at the couch but Nathaniel failed to notice him.

"Yes, boss," a guy left the office.

★★

Alfred was sitting in the living room waiting patiently for Emma, he went straight home after his brief meeting with Nathaniel.

Jessica informed him that she was with Emma, and he had less to worry about because he was sure she would take care of her.

But, how is he going to make Emma go on a date with Nathaniel?

After a few more hours Emma walked into the mansion with Jessica.

"Em..." the rest of the words were stuck in his throat as she went straight upstairs.

"She's going to be fine," Jessica said and he turned to her with a smile.

"Thanks for taking care of her," he appreciated.

"You are welcome," she replied, and a few minutes of silence followed.

"How is she taking the news?" Alfred broke the silence.

"Not good, but she will come around if you explain better," she answered.

"How could you..." Alfred gave Jessica the 'I know look'.

"It has happened," he muttered and turned to the stairs, he had less than two hours to convince Emma to attend the date.

"Let's meet tomorrow," he added before rushing upstairs.

"He's hopeless," Jessica shook her head before stepping out of the mansion.

Alfred knocked gently on the door but got no response, he did it again for a few more minutes but still got no response.

"Sweetie we have to talk," he said still standing.