Chapter 0016

Emily's voice was steady and firm, her eyes blazing like fire. "If you want those papers signed, Jackson, you'll have to kill me first."

Jackson's face darkened, and he took a step closer to her, his eyes flashing with anger. "So you're not going to sign the papers?" he growled, his voice menacing.

Emily stood her ground, her chin held high. "No, I won't."

Jackson's hand raised, ready to strike her again, but just as he was about to make contact, Amelia grabbed his wrist, holding it firm.

"Jackson, stop!" Amelia's voice was calm but authoritative. "This isn't the way to handle it."

Jackson's eyes narrowed, and he tried to shake off Amelia's grip, but she held tight. Emily took advantage of the momentary distraction to step back, her eyes never leaving Jackson's face.

"You'll have to do better than that if you want to intimidate me, Jackson," she said, her voice cold and detached.

The standoff was palpable, the tension in the room almost suffocating.

Amelia's grip on Jackson's wrist w