Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Emma stepped out of the office and into the classroom, her teacher’s words still echoing in her mind, making her smile. Just then, her phone buzzed.

“Hello, Emma. Are you in class right now?” asked the voice on the other end.

Despite the time that had passed since they last spoke, Emma immediately recognized the voice. “Uncle Daniel?”

It was her uncle, Daniel Rivera, who was ten years her senior. His voice sounded warm and familiar. “I’ve been swamped with work, traveling a lot. Sorry for not keeping in touch.”

“It’s okay, Uncle Daniel, Everything’s fine here; don’t worry,” Emma reassured him, pleased to hear from her caring uncle.

“Emma, I actually called because I have something important to tell you,” Daniel revealed.

Emma was a little surprised. “What is it, Uncle Daniel?”

“A friend of mine who works at a police station mentioned that your half–sister, Aria Wilson, might be dead. Have you heard anything about this?” Daniel inquired.

Emma was shocked, wondering, ‘Could Liam be involved in this?”

“I... I had no idea,” Emma managed to say, trying to sound calm. “Do you know what happened, Uncle Daniel?”

“Not yet, but it seems to be linked to the Gomez family,” Daniel said.

“The Gomez family?” Emma was confused, thinking. How could Ana, last seen with Liam, be connected to the Gomez family?

She felt a strange relief that Liam might not be involved after all “It’s Sebastian’s family. Just be careful, Emma. There might be some rumors floating around school or online,” Daniel said. He had taken the time out of his busy schedule to give her a reminder, which showed how much he cared about her.

Emma smiled. “Thanks for looking out for me, Uncle Daniel.”

“Oh, and one more thing.” Daniel added, his tone lightening. Your uncles and I have a surprise for you. It should be at your school’s reception right now. Check it out during your lunch break.”

“Another gift?” Emma chuckled. The last time they met, her uncles had given her a staggering gift–a savings card with an annual profit of a million dollars.

Daniel’s voice was affectionate, “You’re our only little princess, Emma. Of course, you deserve the best. Go check it out. I’ve got to run now, busy as ever. Bye.”

“Goodbye, Uncle Daniel!” Emma ended the call and hurried toward the reception. She had only met one of her four uncles so far, and her eldest uncle had hinted that she would meet the others soon. She wondered what the gift could be today.

As Emma reached the reception area, her excitement grew. Along the way, she heard snippets of conversation from her classmates about an upcoming concert.

“Have you heard it? Starry is coming back to our country! He’s going to perform in Trpin City soon!” a girl exclaimed.

Oh my gosh, I’ve been waiting three years for this! I need to get front row tickets!” another said excitedly.

“Oh Emma wasn’t familiar with Starry, but the buzz from her classmates made it clear he was handsome and popular. While her mind was more 08:27 Mon, 8 Jul Chapter 43 focused on the surprise waiting for her, she couldn’t help but be curious about him.

As Emma pondered just how famous Starry must be, she arrived at the reception and ran into someone she’d rather avoid.

“Yeah, this one,” Kate declared, grabbing a package before locking eyes with Emma, her look quickly turning sour Emma ignored Kate, not bothering with a greeting, and went straight to the mail shelf to retrieve her envelope. Just as she was about to open it, a sharp nudge sent it flying from her hands.

With a smirk, Kate stepped deliberately on the envelope with her high heel as she passed by.

Emma picked up the envelope now marred by the imprint of Kate’s shoe.

“Seriously? How could Miss Johnson do that?” a student nearby asked.

“Yeah, that’s just plain bullying” someone murmured.

Kate turned back with a sneer. “It’s just a letter. What’s the big deal? I can pay for it if it’s that important!”

The Johnson family was known for their wealth, and Kate’s attitude reflected a long–standing superiority complex. After her remark, she strutted away with her shopping bags branded with luxury logos.

Fueled by anger, Emma caught up to Kate and gave her a firm push.

“Ouch!” Kate cried out as her belongings tumbled to the floor, her box of perfumes shattering and releasing a potent, overwhelming fragrance into the air.

“Emma! What’s wrong with you?” Kate bellowed.

Emma held up the envelope. “Just a few broken perfume bottles, right? I can pay for them if they’re that important!”

*You think you can afford these?” Kate snapped, her embarrassment mixing with her fury. Those perfumes were meant to curry favor with the higher–ups at school. Glaring at the shattered bottles, she had no idea how she would manage this afternoon.

“I could afford them, but I changed my mind. I won’t pay.

You asked for it,” Emma retorted with a sneer.

“It was an accident!” Kate tried to play the victim, but the onlookers in the reception were not buying it.

“An accident? We all saw you bump into Emma and deliberately step on her letter. Do you think your perfumes are worth more than our deliveries?” someone retorted.

“That’s right!” another student exclaimed.

The students, tired of Kate’s entitled antics, rallied around Emma, leaving Kate momentarily speechless.

Emma hadn’t yet seen what was inside the envelope, but she knew everything from her uncles was valuable to her. She wouldn’t let anyone ruin it.

“Kate, stop messing with me at school, or I’ll make sure you regret it,” Emma warned. Just then, something slipped from the envelope–3 beautifully illustrated card with a seat number and a close–up photo.

Curious students peeked over, and gasps of excitement filled the room.

“Oh my! It’s Starryll Tickets for Starry’s 10th–anniversary concert in Troln City” a girl shrieked.

UD–2/

Chapter 43 MUI, O “And it’s a front–row seat! This can’t be reall” another exclaimed.

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As her classmates erupted in excitement, Emma bent down to retrieve the ticket, puzzled. ‘Is this the surprise Uncle Daniel mentioned?” she thought.

Turning the ticket over, Emma found more words in an elegant script, reading, “Emma, looking forward to seeing you at the concert–Love ya, your Starry.”