Chapter 879 Don’t Blame Him
In April, the spring’s warmth and beauty made it feel like the best time of year everywhere.
Emelie and Samuel strolled through the manor, the gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of roses. Neither of them had changed out of their wedding attire.
Samuel had suggested for them to change their clothing, but Emelie explained that she needed to move around in her dress and shoes to see if she felt any discomfort.
Since she would be wearing the heavy gown through various ceremonies the next day, discovering any issues at the last minute would leave no time for adjustments and could cause unnecessary discomfort.
Samuel agreed with her reasoning, so they didn’t change out of their formal wear.
His leg injury hadn’t fully healed, so he was able to walk independently albeit slowly. Fortunately, they weren’t in a hurry, so they took their time.
Samuel broke the silence. “Wesley called me the other day and shared some things with me. We talked for over an hour.”
Emelie guessed, “He told you about our identities?”
“Yes,” Samuel said.
זיי
I guess you were shocked,” Emelie replied.
Her tone carried a hint of teasing, as if she wasn’t concerned. Samuel glanced at her with a wry smile, unsure how to continue.
Ahead, some household staff were transporting porcelain tableware intended for the wedding banquet.
The tableware from the Bouffier brand in the mid-south of Faldoria had a long history. It was used in royal courts in many countries, including by the late queen of Bredal.
They were beautiful but fragile, so the household staff handled it with extreme care to avoid any damage. Samuel’s thoughts shifted. “After I heard what Wesley said, I can understand why he did what he did.” Emelie turned to him. “Oh?”
He said, “You know, when Mrs. Denning was in charge, she was exceptionally capable and assertive. The Filo family operated almost entirely at her discretion, and no one dared to oppose her. Even when she wanted to pass on her position to her grandson, the Filo family members could only grumble in private.”
Emelie nodded. “That’s true.”
He continued, “But after her passing, her influence waned. Wesley, who took over at just 18, faced numerous assassination attempts. With his future uncertain, he couldn’t afford to risk involving you.”
Emelie’s gaze shifted to the manor’s entrance, where security was installing metal detectors.
With prominent guests from around the world attending a wedding banquet hosted by the Filo family, security was a top priority. No weapons of any kind were allowed to prevent any repeat of the chaos caused by William at another wedding.
“I understand,” Emelie said. “I know it was difficult for him 13 years ago. Even two years ago, he narrowly escaped a car accident orchestrated by Mrs. Russo. I never underestimate how greed for money, power, and status can drive people to madness.”
Samuel continued, “That’s also why he initially hid your identity. Mrs. Denning left you a significant inheritance- a 10% stake in the Filo Group.
“Once your identity was revealed, you would become a target for those who feared that the combined shares of you and Wesley would exceed 50%, giving you control of the company.”
Emelie paused. “So, to protect me from becoming a target, he kept this a secret. The downside was that he couldn’t secure a majority of the shares, leaving his position unstable?”
Samuel nodded. “Exactly.”
It made sense why Natalia had been so determined to kill her. She feared that Emelie would claim her shares once she acknowledged her true heritage.
Emelie sighed. “I know that he’s done a lot of things for me. I didn’t realize that there was even more I didn’t know.”
Samuel stopped walking and turned to face her.
Emelie had always been resilient and strong. Samuel had known this from the beginning.
But to Wesley, she was as delicate as porcelain. He feared that life’s trials might damage her.
“Don’t blame him, alright? He kept it from you to protect you and because he loves you. He never intended to hurt you. You’ve always been his heir in his will.”
Emelie understood the deeper meaning behind Samuel’s earnest words. He hoped that they could remain together, and that she would understand Wesley’s actions. Even if he was selfish, he was driven by love.
Emelie pursed her lips. “Did he ask you to marry me?”