The Redemption of an Empire
ol. Relations with his classmates improved, particularly with Alex and Sophie, and his acad
he digital archives looking for old articles when a headline caught her eye: "Dubious Business: The S
Although the charges were never proven, the case caused a stir at the time and tarnished the family's reputation. Emma fe
ak glances at Alex, who was working focused on his notes. Sophie noticed his strange
r troubling thoughts. " Yes everything
ed at Emma. "If you want, we can take
" Good idea. I need t
they walked, Alex approached Emma and spoke softly to her. "I can see that s
ound an old newspaper article this afternoon. He talks
s always been an easy target for the media because of his success. He ha
"I'm sorry, Alex. I did not want
y, Emma. You are not the first to come across these storie
somewhat. In the following days, Alex showed a protective side towards Emma, which did not fail to surprise their cl
er Emma? It's strange, isn't it?
g to protect her from some
monplace at a school like theirs. However, she couldn't help but wonder why Alex was s
roached the subject in a more direct way. "Emma, I think you should watch
"What do you m
few meters away. "There are rumors, stories about his family. I
ash over her. "Do you think
rs. " I don't know. Just...
sincere friend, and her words resonated with her. Determined to
rmation about Alex's family. The more she dug, the more intriguing details she discovered. Henry Delac
a journalist. The latter evoked possible links between Henry Delacroix and influential figures in the business world, inv
is intentions. On the other hand, the evidence she uncovered seemed to point to a much more complex reality. Sh
on her shoulders. She avoided meeting Alex's eyes, unsure of what to do. Sophie noticed his
Yes. But I don't know
arm. "Take your time, Emma. Do not ru
ver. That same evening, she made a bold decision: she would speak directly to Henry Del
nt of the imposing building, she took a deep breath and entered. The reception was luxurious, with marble walls and contemporary ar
skeptical eyebrow. "Do y
, but it's important. It
upstairs. "Mr. Delacroix? A young girl is here to se
fice. The man, imposing and charismatic, stood up to welcome him
a friend of Alex. I have questions regarding some ar
before sighing. "Sit down, Emma. It l
Henry Delacroix folded his hands in front of him and began to speak. "I assume you have read press articl
e against me, it's true. But everything was not that simple. In the business world, rivalries and power games c
om. "Some accusations were unfounded, motivated by jealousy and professional ri
isturbing elements, connections with dubious figure
table in certain business circles. Business is often dirty, Emma. But I promise you, I have never knowingly participat
t the information she had discovered still left some doubts. "Thank y
l, Emma. Alex is lucky to have you as a friend. If you have any
t the office with a feeling of unfinished business, but also a renewed resolve.
. He seemed lost in thought, a book open on his lap. She came over
prised. " You have
I found some disturbing articles about him and I
tand, Emma. My father is a complicated man. He made mistake
hing similar. I just wanted to be sure. I'm s
to apologize. You are a loyal friend, Emma.
ie who arrived, out of breath. "Emma, Alex
rigued. "What's going o
Alex and his family. I think you should be careful, Emm
n her. "Sophie, I spoke to her father. I d