181Lea stepped forward, grinning. "Well, your dad here orchestrated a little surprise for you."Edward chuckled. "I couldn't let you go through all that without something to lift your spirits."Emily could hardly believe her eyes. After everything that had happened, seeing her father and Lea Boutin standing there seemed too good to be true. "Is it really true?" She pinched herself and felt the pain, so it was true.Her father beckoned to her with a smile. "Come now darling, don't stand in the doorway. Let us in, you must be exhausted."Emily slowly stepped aside numbly as they entered. Lea presented the bouquet with a gentle grin. "These are for you Emily, to lift your spirits as your father said."Still in shock, Emily turned to her father. "Dad...is this real? Or am I dreaming?" He patted her arm reassuringly. "It's no dream sweetheart. I promised you something to cheer you up, and I meant it."Lea nodded. "It's truly me, Emily. Not the fraud who deceived you before. When your fa

The next day, Michael, now fully aware of his responsibilities, took center stage at the press conference. Reporters gathered, cameras flashing, as he faced the daunting task of addressing not only his father's disappearance but also his unexpected inheritance of the conglomerate.Michael began, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. As many of you are aware, my father, Edward Ventura, has been missing for the past three days. It is a challenging time for our family, and we appreciate your support during this difficult period."Questions flew from the reporters, probing into the circumstances and expressing condolences. Michael, composed yet vulnerable, answered with sincerity. He continued, "In light of my father's absence, I have assumed the interim leadership of the Ventura conglomerate. It's a role I never anticipated, but I am committed to upholding my father's legacy and guiding the company through these uncertain times."A murmur of surprise rippled through the