Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 616

Glenn Manor.

Theodore held Emilia's hand, his thumb tracing her knuckles. The easy intimacy between them spoke of a deep, passionate romance.

With everyone gathered today, they decided to extend the evening. After dinner, they moved the party outdoors. Night had fallen, and the group gathered around the fire pit for a late-night barbecue.

It had been Joyce's idea. She was obsessed with grilled food, especially thick, sizzling cuts of bacon.

Seven burst into laughter watching her pile her plate. "Joyce, you're a doctor. Isn't this terrible for your health?"

Joyce glared at him. "It's delicious, and I like it. Got a problem with that?" She smirked, adding a morbid detail. "You have no idea. I have a friend in gastroenterology who spent all morning dealing with a severe bowel obstruction, and then went straight out for a massive plate of chili dogs for lunch."

"Ugh," Seven groaned, his face twisting in disgust.

The two of them bickered playfully. Jayden chuckled, looking at his younger brother. "Don't mess with Joyce, Seven. Let her eat."

Suitably chastised, Seven focused entirely on his food.

Emilia watched them, a warm smile spreading across her face. It was funny to think that a chance encounter between Joyce and Seven had ultimately brought her and Jayden into the same orbit.

Looking back, it had not been that long ago. But in those few short months, everything had changed. Their lives had completely transformed.

Leaning back in her chair, Emilia gazed at the shifting lights above the lake. The drone show from Theodore's proposal was still going, shifting from its initial message into cascading petals and giant hearts against the night sky.

A warm breeze drifted past as Theodore handed her a glass of crisp cider. She took it, raising her glass to meet his.

The crystal chimed with a clear, resonant ring.

It was a perfect summer night. She was well-rested, surrounded by friends, family, and the man she loved. Good food, cold drinks, and an overwhelming sense of peace.

"Exactly. She relied on Tyler when they were married, and now she's leeching off Theodore."

...

Of course, others quickly fired back.

"Emilia has her own career. She helped build The Erickson Group from the ground up."

"She's hardly leeching off Theodore. She just won Voice of the Divine, has her own brand, and her recent designs brought in millions for The Glenn Group."

"Theodore already proposed in the sunflower fields. They are officially engaged. Why wouldn't they live together?"

"Her divorce from Tyler was finalized ages ago. Tyler was running around with Vivienne before the ink was even dry, and no one batted an eye. But Emilia finds someone new and she gets crucified? Is she supposed to stay single forever to honor her dead marriage?"