Chapter 8
In that instant, my whole life veered off course and threw me onto a path I never saw coming.
Eventually, he woke up.
I remember he opened his eyes, looked at me, and the first thing he said was, "Was it you who saved me?"
His voice sounded really nice, but it was barely more than a whisper.
I just nodded.
He asked me what my name was and where I studied.
He said his name was John.
He told me not to worry about his medical bills and promised he'd find a way to repay me.
I just smiled and brushed it off, not really taking his promise to heart.
I told him I needed to head home.
I never told him that, for his sake, I missed the most important exam of my life.
Honestly, saving a life felt way more important than any exam.
I thought our lives would only ever intersect on that one stormy night.
After that, we'd be worlds apart.
I never imagined he would always remember me.
And I never imagined that he was already gone.
Tears fell uncontrollably.
My heart ached for him.
That handsome boy in the hospital bed, face so pale, still managed to give me a gentle smile.
His life wilted before it ever had a chance to truly blossom.
"Good girl, don't cry," Emma murmured.
She reached out and wiped the tears from my cheeks with her warm hand, the touch so soothing that it made me feel safe.
"John passed away peacefully," Emma said. "He just felt like he owed you so much.
"He said he ruined the bright future a girl was supposed to have.
"He asked me to find you and give you everything that belongs to the Lewis family.
"He said this is his way of returning to you the future you were meant to have."
I was crying so hard that I could barely speak, shaking my head in denial.
"It's not true... I never held it against him, never, not even once..." I said.
"I know, I know you're a good kid," Emma said.
Emma gently pulled me into a warm hug.
Her embrace was full of gentle warmth, but there was also a heaviness in it, a weight that only years of life could bring.
"So, Alyssa, please accept it," Emma said softly. "This isn't just wealth. It's John's love, and it's what I hold onto.
"Help us look after it, Alyssa."
I looked up at Emma through my tear-filled eyes, catching the pleading and sadness in her gaze.
I realized there was no way I could refuse.
From this moment on, the seal wasn't just a symbol of power and wealth anymore.
It carried the final wish of someone who had left us.
It held a promise that had lasted five years.
And most of all, it meant that I was about to begin a brand new life.
I took a deep breath and gave a determined nod.
"Yes," I said. "Emma, I'll do it."
The moment I agreed, Emma finally showed a gentle, grateful smile on her face.
She let go of me and walked over to her desk, pressing a button on the intercom.
"Joy, come in for a moment," she said.
Soon, the refined butler who had always been by her side, Joy, pushed the door open and walked in.
"Mrs. Lewis, Miss Miller," Joy greeted us with a respectful bow.
"Joy," Emma's voice grew serious. "From today on, Alyssa is the interim chairwoman of Vogue Group.
"She now has full voting rights for all the shares I own.
"Get the legal team to draft the paperwork and call an emergency board meeting. Announce this to everyone right away."
Joy didn't look the least bit surprised, as if he'd expected this all along.
He just nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Emma, I'll take care of it right away," Joy replied.
Then he turned to me and gave me a deep bow.
"Ms. Miller, if you ever have any instructions, please feel free to call on me," Joy said.
I was so nervous that my palms were sweating.
"Joy, you can just call me Alyssa," I said.
"Rules are rules," Joy said with a gentle smile, but his tone was unwavering. "From now on, this company belongs to you."
With that, he turned and headed out to take care of everything.
The office was quiet again, with only Emma and me left.
"Are you afraid?" Emma looked right at me and asked.
I nodded.
"Yeah," I said.
"I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm worried I'll screw things up and disappoint you... and John," I admitted.
"Don't be afraid." Emma walked over and patted my shoulder. "I'm handing over the reins, but I'm not dead yet.
"If anyone messes with you or doesn't listen, just tell me. I'll handle them.
"Joy will help you too. He's been with me for forty years and is the one I trust most."