Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 709

Emilia opened her mouth, but the words died in her throat.

"It's late. Go to bed," Paisley said, her voice completely devoid of warmth.

Emilia froze. It took her three agonizing seconds to process the rejection before she finally gave a stiff nod.

Trying to bridge the gap, she added, "I set aside a percentage of shares in Inceptus for you. When the company turns a profit, the dividends will be deposited directly into your account."

"Understood," Paisley replied.

She still didn't open the door any wider.

The message was painfully clear. She was not welcome.

A suffocating wave of despair washed over Emilia. She looked up at her mother, her heart aching for just a moment of connection.

"Mom..."

The door clicked shut in her face.

Emilia lowered her head.

She stood entirely alone on the dark porch as a cold night breeze swept past, rustling her hair.

Swallowing the heavy lump in her throat, she forced herself to turn around and walk away into the darkness.

Inside the guest house, Paisley stood perfectly still, listening to her daughter's fading footsteps.

Her eyes were a storm of complicated emotions.

They had been trapped in this miserable, toxic dynamic for years.

Paisley opened the box and stared at the beautiful assortment of baked goods.

She picked one up and took a small bite.

It was delicious. She knew exactly why Emilia had brought it; these were the specific treats Emilia had always craved.

"Damn it..."

Paisley let out a ragged, exhausted sigh and set the box down.

Needing air, she left the guest house and flagged down a passing estate golf cart.

She had the driver drop her off near the lake, preferring to walk off her frustration in the quiet night.

Stella's eyes lit up with pure adoration.

"Oh my goodness! No wonder you look so stunning. You have her exact features!" Stella gushed. "I was just telling the butler how much your daughter has changed my life."

"If she hadn't given my bakery that massive order, my daughter and I would have lost everything."

Stella practically overflowed with gratitude.

Paisley's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at the woman praising her daughter.

The butler watched nervously, unsure if he should intervene.

Completely unaware of the dark history between the two women, Stella assumed anyone related to Emilia must be an angel, and she happily poured her heart out, detailing how Emilia's kindness had saved her family.

"Thank you for raising such a wonderful person!" Stella beamed.

Paisley stood in silence, absorbing the raw, unfiltered praise.

She didn't say a word, simply giving a tight nod.

Her chest tightened with an emotion she couldn't quite name.