Chapter 8: Bridging the Gap
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A Silent Observer
Max had started to notice a pattern. While Ethan and Evan filled the mansion with noise and mischief, and Ella sought comfort in his presence at every opportunity, Emma remained a quiet, distant figure. She rarely spoke unless spoken to and often sat alone, clutching a worn-out stuffed rabbit that seemed to be her only companion.
It was during breakfast one morning that Max finally addressed it.
"Emma," he said, looking at her across the table. "Would you like more pancakes?"
She shook her head without meeting his gaze.
"You barely touched your food," Max pressed gently.
Emma mumbled something inaudible, her grip tightening on her rabbit.
Ella leaned over and whispered, "Emma doesn't like pancakes anymore."
Max frowned. "Then what would you like?"
Emma didn't answer, her silence filling the room like a heavy fog.
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Seeking Advice
Frustrated and unsure of how to handle the situation, Max called Harold.
"She's grieving," Harold explained. "Emma was very close to your brother. Losing him must feel like losing her anchor."
Max rubbed his temples. "I'm trying, Harold. But she barely looks at me, let alone talks. How am I supposed to connect with her if she shuts me out?"
"Patience," Harold advised. "And maybe a little creativity. Emma needs to know she's safe before she'll let you in."
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Small Attempts
That evening, Max decided to try again. He found Emma sitting in the corner of the library, flipping through a picture book without really looking at the pages.
"Emma," he said, lowering himself to her level. "What are you reading?"
She shrugged, keeping her eyes on the book.
Max scanned the shelves and pulled out a book he remembered from his own childhood—a beautifully illustrated story about a rabbit who went on an adventure.
"Have you ever read this one?" he asked, holding it out to her.
Emma glanced at the cover but said nothing.
Max hesitated, then sat down on the floor beside her. "I used to read this with my brother when we were kids. It was our favorite."
That caught her attention. She looked up at him, her eyes briefly meeting his before darting away.
"Would you like me to read it to you?" Max offered.
After a long pause, Emma gave a small nod.
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A Moment of Connection
As Max read, he noticed Emma slowly relaxing. Her grip on her stuffed rabbit loosened, and by the time he reached the end of the story, she was leaning slightly against his arm.
"Did you like it?" he asked softly.
Emma nodded again, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Encouraged, Max said, "Maybe we can read another one tomorrow."
For the first time, Emma spoke. "Okay."
It was a small word, but to Max, it felt like a breakthrough.
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A Setback
The next day, Max decided to surprise Emma by setting up a small play area in the garden with toys and books he thought she might like. The other children joined in enthusiastically, but Emma remained hesitant.
"Come on, Emma!" Ethan called, pulling her toward the swing set.
But Emma shook her head, retreating to a nearby bench.
Max approached her carefully. "What's wrong?"
She clutched her rabbit, her eyes welling up with tears. "Daddy used to push me on the swings."
The pain in her voice was palpable, and Max felt a pang of guilt for not realizing how deeply she associated certain activities with her father.
"I'm sorry, Emma," he said softly. "I didn't mean to make you sad."
Emma wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater but didn't respond.
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Cliffhanger (End of Chapter)
Later that evening, Max sat in his office, reflecting on the day's events. Just as he began to formulate a plan to help Emma, his phone buzzed with a notification from the security team.
The figure from the surveillance footage had been spotted again—this time much closer to the mansion.
Max's heart pounded as he reviewed the footage. Whoever this person was, they weren't just a threat to the children's inheritance—they were a direct threat to their safety.
He picked up the phone and made a call. "Harold, we need to talk. I'm going to need your help."
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