Chapter 43

Emma stepped from the office into the classroom, her teacher’s words still echoing in her mind, bringing a smile to her face. Her phone buzzed.

“Hello, Emma. Are you in class right now?” a voice asked.

Despite the time elapsed since their last conversation, Emma instantly recognized it. “Uncle Daniel?”

It was her uncle, Daniel Rivera, ten years her senior. His voice was 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, happy to hear from her caring uncle.

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

Emma was 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. Could Liam be involved? she wondered.

“I… I had no idea,” Emma stammered, striving for calmness. “Do you know what happened, Uncle Daniel?”

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

“The Gomez family?” Emma was confused. How could Ana, last seen with Liam, be connected to the Gomez family? A strange sense of relief washed over her; perhaps Liam wasn't involved after all.

“It’s Sebastian’s family. Just be careful, Emma. There might be some rumors circulating at school or online,” Daniel cautioned. He’d taken time from his busy schedule to warn her, a testament to his concern.

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. Their last meeting had resulted in a staggering gift—a savings card with an annual profit of a million dollars.

Daniel’s voice softened. “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 met only one of her four uncles so far, and her eldest uncle had hinted at a meeting with the others soon. She wondered what the gift might be.

As she reached the reception, her excitement mounted. She overheard snippets of conversation among her classmates about an upcoming concert.

“Have you heard? 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.

Emma was unfamiliar with Starry, but her classmates' enthusiasm made it clear he was both handsome and popular. Though her mind was primarily focused on her surprise, she couldn’t help but be curious.

As she considered Starry’s apparent fame, she arrived at the reception and encountered someone she’d rather avoid—Kate.

“Yeah, this one,” Kate declared, grabbing a package before locking eyes with Emma, her expression souring instantly.

Emma ignored Kate, foregoing 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.

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

Emma picked up the damaged envelope.

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

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

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

The Johnsons were known for their wealth, and Kate's attitude reflected a long-standing sense of superiority. After her remark, she strutted away, her shopping bags displaying 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 fragrance.

“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 mingling with fury. Those perfumes were intended to curry favor with the school administration. Glaring at the shattered bottles, she had no idea how she would manage the 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 weren't 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 behavior, rallied around Emma, leaving Kate speechless.

Emma hadn’t yet seen the contents of the envelope, but she knew anything from her uncles was valuable. 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—three beautifully illustrated cards, one bearing a seat number and a close-up photograph.

Curious students peered over, gasps of excitement filling the room.

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

“And it’s a front-row seat! This can’t be real!” another exclaimed.

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

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