Ross exhaled heavily, slumping into his office chair. The echo of the slamming door still rang in his ears, but louder than that was the ominous silence that followed. He rubbed his temples slowly, realizing what he just did.

“He got what he deserved. It was bound to happen.” He thought to himself. His mind drifted to the countless times he had to endure and take in everything Vanessa did to annoy him and everything Matt took from him.

Childhood friends? Yeah

Childhood lovers? Definitely not!

Ross was so sure his mother only accepted to take care of her best friend’s children because she felt her death was because of her.

And he knew his mother would blame him for always being selfish. The Dales had enough money, and they had no problem sharing. But for Ross? It was different. His father never let him spend the company's money unless he worked for it and he got used to that.

Taking over only meant one thing, Dales Company was his and no one else's. Not even his mother's.

His phone beeped, without hesitation Ross picked up.

“Mum?” He said, his tone nonchalant.

“Ross, I need you to come by now!” Eliana ordered.

Ross rolled his eyes and smacked the table. “Mum, I'm not showing up. If this is about Matthew and Vanessa, don't bother because I'm not coming over there to hear you lecture me on people that are not even close to being my relatives.”

Eliana was quiet. She sighed over the phone, “Can you at least try to understand? Matthew has been by your side since you were kids”

“No mum. We've been by their side. And I think it's enough time to let go.”

“And you don't think you'll regret it?” Eliana asked, wondering if her son was sure of his sudden negative behavior towards his friends.

“I'm sure mum. I'm making the right choice pulling them out.” Ross confirmed, not batting an eye.

“I just hope you're not doing this because of Emma. She may be part of the family for now, but we know nothing about her.”

“Doesn't give too much difference to why you have to keep the guilt of Tonya's death. Maybe if you stop that pity, they'll find a way to survive without us. At least Emma is doing that.”

Eliana sighed, “Fine! I watch standing back Ross. I think your father has taught you enough.”

She said and hung. Ross, still seething with rage, threw his phone.

To be somewhere except the office was what he needed at the time. He packed his things and made his way to the car.

“I don't need all this. I'm standing by Emma and no one has the right to tell me what to do.” He mumbled as he started the car. The engine roared and he drove off.

Back at home, Ross dropped his keys on the counter and leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath. His thoughts wandered briefly, Vanessa’s entitlement and Matt’s arrogance. And all of that under his watch. Everything they had was from the Dales. Nothing the Smiths owns is theirs, and thinking more of that, he got angrier.

He pulled out his phone and texted David.

“Take care of Emma and make sure no one messes with her. If anyone does, I’ll fire you first. That’s how serious I am.”

He knew Vanessa would get to Emma, Matthew might just go around yelling, but Vanessa feeling entitled would do anything to hurt Emma.

He was going to do everything to make sure Emma had her life back. And without anyone interfering. Not even his mother.

His mind drifted back to when he first met her. Her pale eyes and skinny body that seemed attractive even at the brink of death. And the fast change in her health, coming back to place and winning his heart with just enthusiasm to change the company's failing project.

He set the phone down, ate a quick meal, and crashed into bed without even changing out of his clothes. The day had drained him.

After a couple of hours, the room was covered in golden sunset light. He blinked, sat up, and instinctively looked toward the hallway that was empty.

“Emma’s not home yet?”

He grabbed his phone and called David.

“Sir,” David answered immediately.

“Where’s Emma?” Ross asked, already standing.

“I’m with her,” David replied. “She wanted to meet one of the G–Apex linked partners. He requested a private evening meeting and said it was urgent. Miss Emma said she'll meet him immediately.”

Ross’s jaw tensed. “And you let her go in alone?”

“No, I…I escorted her in. I’m still here. She’s in the meeting now.”

Ross’s heart raced, “Send me the address right now. I’ll come pick her up and you can go home.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ross’s car screeched to a halt in front of an upscale yet quiet private building. He calmly walked over to the room David said the meeting was holding. But nothing felt right. Why was he just him? David didn't mention Me Desmond, he never arranges a meeting at sunset.

Ross entered the room and found no one. But he heard banging on the next door. He fiercely pulled the door open.

A man in his mid 40s, reeking of expensive wine and shamelessness had his hand gripping Emma’s wrist, her back against the wall.

Emma’s eyes widened the moment she saw Ross, and called out his name.

Ross charged forward and threw a clean, hard punch into the man’s jaw. The man hit the floor with a grunt, stunned. Ross had a punch to his face again and a hit to his chest.

“You sick bastard!” He roared.

“Ross!” Emma shouted, reaching for him. “Stop, he’s done—Ross!”

The man was unconscious and blood smeared across his face.

Ross finally stood upright, chest heaving.

“We’re done with this deal,” he spat at the limp body. “You’re finished. And I'm telling Desmond to pull you out of the project, you shameless he-goat.”

Emma was trembling slightly, pressing her wrist.

“You can tell Mr Desmond this. I'm never going to have a life after this again. Please, Mr Dale. Don't do this.” He struggled to speak, his eyes barely opened.

Ross ignored him and turned to Emma, his expression softening in an instant. “I’m sorry I let you go alone. I shouldn’t have.”

“Where’s David?” she asked quietly.

“I sent him home,” Ross said, brushing her hair back with a gentleness that startled her. “I didn’t want anyone else to pick you up.”

She blinked up at him, her heart knocking in her chest.

“You’re hurt,” she murmured, touching a red mark on his brow.

“It’s nothing.”

She reached into her bag for tissues, gently dabbing at it, her face close to his and their breath tangled.

Their eyes locked.

“You shouldn’t schedule night meetings again,” Ross whispered.

“You think?” she said with a small smile.

“I just want you to be careful.”

“I was,” she said quietly. “I’m just… trying to get used to everything without feeling like a gold digger.”

“What? A gold digger?”

She hesitated. “Well, everyone in the company calls me a gold digger. What other explanation could there be that a stray got a project in the company?”

Ross’s jaw clenched. He reached out and gently held her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. “Don’t listen to them,” he said firmly. “They’re jealous. That’s all it is. You focus on this. I'll have Desmond take this riff raff away”

She nodded slowly.

“Good,” he whispered.

Emma's eyes locked onto his and Ross couldn't stop staring. Without thinking, Ross leaned in and kissed her.