Chapter 5 Chapitre 5

The weeks passed and Emma adapted better and better to her new life at the prestigious school. Relations with his classmates improved, particularly with Alex and Sophie, and his academic performance continued to impress. However, a shadow hung over this apparent tranquility.

One sunny afternoon, Emma was in the library, working on a history project. She was digging through the digital archives looking for old articles when a headline caught her eye: "Dubious Business: The Scandal Involving Businessman Henry Delacroix." Intrigued, she clicked on the link and started reading.

The article, a few years old, reported accusations of fraud and corruption brought against Henry Delacroix, Alex's father. Although the charges were never proven, the case caused a stir at the time and tarnished the family's reputation. Emma felt a shiver run down her spine. Should she tell Alex about this discovery? Did she really know him as well as she thought?

That evening, during a study session with Alex and Sophie, Emma couldn't help but sneak glances at Alex, who was working focused on his notes. Sophie noticed his strange behavior and asked in a low voice: "Is everything okay, Emma? You seem preoccupied. »

Emma shook her head, trying to clear her troubling thoughts. " Yes everything is fine. Just a little tired, I guess. »

Alex looked up from his notes and smiled at Emma. "If you want, we can take a break. We made good progress today. »

Emma nodded, grateful. " Good idea. I need to get some fresh air. »

The three friends left the library and headed towards the school garden. As they walked, Alex approached Emma and spoke softly to her. "I can see that something is bothering you, Emma. You know you can tell me anything, right? »

Emma hesitated for a moment, but finally confided. "I found an old newspaper article this afternoon. He talks about your father and some... accusations against him. »

Alex's face instantly hardened. "Oh, that. Yes, I am aware. My father has always been an easy target for the media because of his success. He has been wrongly accused of many things, but nothing has ever been proven. »

Emma nodded, trying to understand. "I'm sorry, Alex. I did not want to hurt you. It just surprised me. »

Alex placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Emma. You are not the first to come across these stories. But I promise you that my family has nothing to hide. »

This conversation left Emma with more questions than answers. However, Alex's support and understanding reassured her somewhat. In the following days, Alex showed a protective side towards Emma, which did not fail to surprise their classmates. One morning, as they were walking to class together, a group of students started whispering as they passed.

"Did you see how Alex watches over Emma? It's strange, isn't it? » whispered a girl to her friend.

"Yes, it's like he's trying to protect her from something," the other replied.

Emma heard these whispers, but preferred to ignore them. She knew that rumors were commonplace at a school like theirs. However, she couldn't help but wonder why Alex was suddenly so protective. Was he afraid she would find out something more about his family?

One afternoon, while the three of them were sitting under a tree, Sophie broached the subject in a more direct way. "Emma, I think you should watch out for Alex. I know he seems nice, but there are things you don't know. »

Emma frowned. "What do you mean, Sophie? »

Sophie glanced furtively at Alex, who was busy reading a book a few meters away. "There are rumors, stories about his family. I don't know if it's all true, but some say he's hiding something. »

Emma felt a wave of worry wash over her. "Do you think I should be wary of him?" »

Sophie shrugged her shoulders. " I don't know. Just... be careful. We never know. »

This warning troubled Emma. She had always considered Sophie a sincere friend, and her words resonated with her. Determined to discover the truth, Emma began to conduct her own investigation.

The following evenings, she spent hours in the library, going through the archives and looking up information about Alex's family. The more she dug, the more intriguing details she discovered. Henry Delacroix's affairs seemed shrouded in mystery, with gray areas that the newspaper articles did not explain.

One evening, while immersed in her research, she came across a detailed report of a private investigation carried out by a journalist. The latter evoked possible links between Henry Delacroix and influential figures in the business world, involved in illegal activities. The details were disturbing and painted a much darker picture than Alex had let him believe.

Emma felt more and more torn. On the one hand, she wanted to believe in Alex's innocence and the sincerity of his intentions. On the other hand, the evidence she uncovered seemed to point to a much more complex reality. She absolutely had to know more, but how could she broach the subject with Alex without risking ruining everything?

The next day, as she walked to class, Emma felt the weight of her discoveries weigh heavily on her shoulders. She avoided meeting Alex's eyes, unsure of what to do. Sophie noticed his confusion and whispered in his ear during a break. "You discovered something, didn't you?" »

Emma nodded slightly. " Yes. But I don't know what to think about it. »

Sophie placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Take your time, Emma. Do not rush. But if you need to talk, I'm here. »

This reassurance calmed Emma somewhat, but she knew she couldn't stay in ignorance forever. That same evening, she made a bold decision: she would speak directly to Henry Delacroix. Maybe confronting Alex's father would give her the answers she was looking for.

After class, Emma headed to Henry Delacroix's office, located not far from campus. She felt nervous but determined. Arriving in front of the imposing building, she took a deep breath and entered. The reception was luxurious, with marble walls and contemporary art paintings. She spoke confidently to the receptionist. "Hello, I would like to speak to Mr. Delacroix. It's about his son, Alex. »

The receptionist raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Do you have an appointment?" »

Emma shook her head. "No, but it's important. It's a personal question. »

After a moment of hesitation, the receptionist called upstairs. "Mr. Delacroix? A young girl is here to see you. She says it's important and concerns your son. »

A few minutes later, Emma was escorted into Henry Delacroix's office. The man, imposing and charismatic, stood up to welcome him. "Mademoiselle, I am Henry Delacroix. What can I do for you ? »

Emma took a deep breath. "Mr. Delacroix, I am Emma, a friend of Alex. I have questions regarding some articles I read about you. I want to know the truth. »

Henry fixed her with a piercing gaze before sighing. "Sit down, Emma. It looks like we have a lot to discuss. »

Emma sat up, her heart pounding. She knew she was about to discover truths that could change everything. Henry Delacroix folded his hands in front of him and began to speak. "I assume you have read press articles that paint me in an unflattering light. The truth is often more complex than what the media reports. »

Emma listened intently, each word from Henry seeming to hang heavy in the air. "There have been accusations made against me, it's true. But everything was not that simple. In the business world, rivalries and power games can lead to very complicated situations. I made mistakes, like everyone else, but some accusations were unfounded

Henry Delacroix continued his story, his deep voice echoing in the luxurious room. "Some accusations were unfounded, motivated by jealousy and professional rivalries. My success attracted enemies, and some used the media to discredit me. »

Emma nodded, absorbing every word. "But there are disturbing elements, connections with dubious figures in the business world. How do you explain that ? »

Henry sighed deeply. "These connections, if you're talking about the individuals mentioned in the articles, were inevitable in certain business circles. Business is often dirty, Emma. But I promise you, I have never knowingly participated in illegal activities. My goal has always been to protect my family and build an honest empire, despite the odds. »

Emma felt a mixture of relief and confusion. Henry seemed sincere, but the information she had discovered still left some doubts. "Thank you for listening to me, Mr. Delacroix. I just wanted to understand. »

Henry stood up and held out his hand. "You are a brave young girl, Emma. Alex is lucky to have you as a friend. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me again. »

Emma squeezed his hand, feeling a wave of respect for this complex man. She left the office with a feeling of unfinished business, but also a renewed resolve. She had to talk to Alex, tell him what she had discovered and see his reaction.

The next day, she found Alex in a quiet corner of the school garden. He seemed lost in thought, a book open on his lap. She came over and sat down next to him. "Alex, I spoke to your father yesterday. »

Alex looked up, surprised. " You have what ? For what ? »

Emma took a deep breath. "I had to know the truth. I found some disturbing articles about him and I couldn't ignore what I read. I had to understand. »

Alex was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I understand, Emma. My father is a complicated man. He made mistakes, but he is not the monster some people portray him to be. »

Emma felt a wave of relief. "He told me something similar. I just wanted to be sure. I'm sorry if I hurt you by digging into your past. »

Alex smiled softly at him. " You do not have to apologize. You are a loyal friend, Emma. And I'm glad you wanted to know the truth. »

Their conversation was interrupted by Sophie who arrived, out of breath. "Emma, Alex, I need to talk to you. It is important. »

They turned to her, intrigued. "What's going on, Sophie? » asked Emma.

Sophie took a deep breath. "I heard things, rumors about Alex and his family. I think you should be careful, Emma. There might still be secrets you haven't discovered. »

Emma felt a wave of frustration rise within her. "Sophie, I spoke to her father. I did my research. What do you mean by that ? »