Chapter 385
In Chapter 385 of “Shadows of the Past” by Emma Clarke, the tension builds as Selena receives a chilling call urging her to manipulate the situation surrounding her daughter, Eli. The caller suggests that a minor injury to Eli would prompt Riana to come rushing to her side, allowing Selena to establish a deeper connection with Riana and gain her trust. As Selena contemplates this morally dubious plan, she reflects on her desire for power and security, feeling the weight of her decision heavily upon her.
Meanwhile, Riana is caught off guard when she receives a call from Erick, a trusted member of her team, informing her that Eli has narrowly escaped a robbery while out with Silvia. Riana’s shock and concern propel her into action as she quickly organizes her priorities, determined to ensure Eli’s safety and track down the perpetrator. Her emotions run high as she rushes to Selena’s apartment, indicating the depth of her love and protectiveness for Eli.
Upon arriving at the apartment, Riana finds Selena appearing distressed and Eli visibly shaken, with a bruise on her arm. The atmosphere is tense as Riana assesses the situation, feeling a mix of gratitude and suspicion towards Selena, who tries to downplay the incident. Riana’s protective instincts kick in as she seeks to communicate with Eli, wanting to reassure her and understand what happened. The chapter concludes with Riana’s determination to connect with her granddaughter amidst the underlying tension with Selena, setting the stage for potential confrontations and revelations.
The chapter encapsulates themes of manipulation, maternal instincts, and the complexities of trust within familial relationships, leaving the reader eager to see how these dynamics will unfold.
**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke p>
**Chapter 385 p>
“Nothing serious,” the caller stated flatly, the words devoid of emotion. “Just enough to prompt Riana to rush over and ensure the child is unharmed. After that, you can start to forge a connection. It’s time to reset your brilliant plan. Become the one person who genuinely cares for Eli—and in doing so, win her trust p>
Selena allowed the caller’s words to linger in the air, absorbing their weight. The kitchen was enveloped in a tranquil silence; Silvia moved gracefully as she cooked, blissfully unaware of the tense conversation unfolding just a few feet away.
“You crave that power, don’t you?” the voice whispered again, its tone low and enticing. “The opportunity to access a family that wields real influence in this city. You can’t afford to delay any longer p>
Selena’s gaze drifted toward the hallway that led to the bedroom where Eli had disappeared moments earlier. The image of that small face—innocent, trusting, and achingly gentle—flooded her mind.
“She’s a good child,” Selena murmured, almost to herself.
“Precisely. Good children always place their trust in their mothers p>
The caller’s voice pressed on, deliberate and coaxing, as if trying to manipulate her thoughts.
“And Eli trusts you completely, Selena p>
Selena exhaled slowly, not out of doubt but out of careful consideration. “I don’t want her to be hurt—really hurt p>
“She won’t be,” the caller replied instantly, confidence lacing their words. “Just a minor injury—enough to draw attention. Riana will come to you on her own. All you need to do is play the role of the worried, fiercely protective mother p>
Selena fell silent once more, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on her shoulders.
The voice returned, softer now, coaxing her further. “Selena… this is your opportunity to secure your position. You desire a safer future, don’t you p>
“If this works,” Selena replied slowly, the gears of her mind turning, “Riana will be completely in my grasp p>
“And after that,” the caller continued softly, “you can orchestrate everything according to your desires p>
There was a brief pause before Selena finally spoke, her voice steady. “Then do it. I’ll prepare myself p>
A low, amused laugh echoed from the other end of the line. “Good. That’s a wise choice p>
Selena remained silent, the gravity of her decision settling in.
“Be ready tomorrow morning,” the voice added calmly. “You needn’t worry—your daughter will be fine. Trust me p>
“Hello, Erick p>
Riana was genuinely taken aback when Erick’s name flashed on her screen. One of Nathan’s most trusted staff members rarely reached out to her directly. Something significant must have occurred…
She listened intently, her heart racing as Erick relayed the news, her spine straightening in shock.
“What?!” She couldn’t suppress her reaction, ignoring the curious stares from several staff members around her. “You’re not joking, are you p>
That afternoon, the news hit her like a sudden gust of wind.
Riana had just settled into her chair after a meeting at SunRise Academy when her phone vibrated insistently. Since Chase’s passing, she had been determined to ensure that the foundation he had built with such care did not fall into neglect. Even though Chris and Cale occasionally checked in to make sure everything was running smoothly, the weight of leadership was unmistakable—different hands led to different outcomes.
Riana refused to gamble with something Chase had cherished so deeply. Especially now, when Josh Callister was being groomed to carry SunRise Academy into the future, backed by the Callister Group and the foundation’s main benefactor, TnC Corp.
Erick’s voice on the line was filled with disbelief as he detailed the incident: Eli had narrowly escaped a robbery at a bakery. She had been with Silvia, purchasing bread and cakes for snacks after picking up school supplies. Selena hadn’t accompanied them, preoccupied with an interview in the bustling Greenvilla shopping district.
Their plan had been to meet afterward at a cozy café not far from the bakery.
But fate had dealt a cruel hand. Eli had nearly been robbed. If not for the bravery of a customer who intervened to protect her, no one could predict what might have happened to the girl.
Erick delivered the full report in meticulous detail, ensuring Riana grasped the gravity of the situation.
“Make sure you track down the perpetrator, Erick.” Riana rose from her seat without a moment’s hesitation, swiftly organizing her bag’s contents. “Postpone the meeting until tomorrow. Please see to everything I’ve requested immediately p>
Everyone in the meeting room nodded obediently. Though their eyes brimmed with unasked questions, none dared to inquire why the head of the SunRise Foundation was leaving such an important meeting in such a hurry.
Still connected to Erick, Riana refocused her thoughts. “Where is Eli now p>
“She’s back at the apartment, Mrs. Riana. I suggested they go to the hospital, but Miss Eli seemed very frightened p>
Riana’s heart tightened. Her steps quickened, and only one place filled her mind—Selena’s apartment.
“Okay. I’m going to see Eli p>
“Yes, Mrs. Riana. I’ll be waiting for you in the lobby p>
As Erick knocked on the apartment door, it swung open to reveal Selena first. Her face was pale, her hair slightly unkempt, and her eyes were swollen, as if she had been crying. Behind her, Eli sat on the sofa, clutching an arm marked with a faint bruise, while Silvia stood nearby, her head bowed in guilt.
“Oh, I didn’t expect to see you this afternoon,” Selena said, forcing a gentle smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Riana scrutinized her closely, then cleared her throat before asking, “How is Eli doing p>
Selena stepped aside, allowing Riana to enter. At the sight of Riana’s unexpected visit, Silvia immediately greeted her with polite courtesy, while Eli froze in place, clearly taken aback.
“Grandma?” Eli blinked, her voice filled with disbelief as if she needed to confirm her eyes weren’t deceiving her.
“Yes, Eli.” Riana offered a faint smile, her heart aching for the child. “How are you feeling p>
Eli returned an awkward smile, her eyes still wide with surprise.
“I’m truly grateful you came to check on Eli,” Selena interjected, cutting in before the exchange could develop further. “Especially since I hadn’t even had the chance to inform you yet. I didn’t want to worry you, but it seems there are individuals you’ve placed near us p>
Riana shot Selena a sharp glance, irritation flaring within her.
“I wasn’t talking to p>
“It all happened so fast,” Selena continued, exhaling as if indifferent to Riana’s evident displeasure at being interrupted. “If Silvia hadn’t pulled Eli into her arms, I can’t imagine what might have occurred. And that customer—what was his name again, Silvia? I really need to thank him personally p>
“David, Miss Selena p>
“Ah, right. David.” Selena smiled, a hint of genuine gratitude peeking through. “If it weren’t for him, I can’t fathom what could have happened to Eli p>
Riana inhaled quietly, forcing herself to suppress the growing dislike and suspicion that had been brewing since the night before.
“Thank you for the explanation,” she said evenly, her lips curving into a thin smile that barely masked her tension. “Now… I’d like to speak with Eli. Is that all right p>
As the tension in the room thickened, the emotional stakes reached a boiling point. Selena stood at the precipice of her choices, torn between the manipulative whispers of her caller and the genuine love she felt for Eli. The façade she had maintained began to crack under Riana’s scrutinizing gaze, revealing the turmoil within her. The moment Eli’s innocent eyes met Riana’s, a silent plea for protection passed between them, igniting a flicker of hope in Riana’s heart. In that instant, the weight of Selena’s decision loomed large; she was no longer just a player in a game of power but a mother faced with the consequences of her actions.
Riana’s arrival marked a turning point, not only for Eli but for Selena as well. The protective instincts that surged within Riana were palpable, a stark contrast to the cold calculations that had driven Selena thus far. As Riana knelt down to comfort Eli, a realization dawned upon Selena: the bond between a mother and child transcended her ambitions. In witnessing Riana’s unwavering love, Selena felt the piercing clarity of her own desires. The shadows of her past began to dissipate, replaced by the warmth of genuine connection. In the end, it was not manipulation that would secure her future, but the authenticity of love and trust that would guide them all toward healing.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
As the tension thickens in Selena’s apartment, the stage is set for a pivotal confrontation between Riana and Selena. With Eli caught in the emotional crossfire, readers can anticipate a charged dialogue that will unveil the true motivations behind Selena’s actions. Will Riana see through the carefully constructed façade that Selena has put up, or will her protective instincts for Eli cloud her judgment? The stakes are higher than ever as Riana grapples with her growing suspicions and the urgency to protect her granddaughter from the shadows of deceit that threaten to envelop them.
Moreover, the revelation of the robbery incident will undoubtedly ripple through their lives, forcing both women to confront their past decisions and the lengths they are willing to go to safeguard their loved ones. As Riana seeks answers, the unexpected arrival of Eli’s savior, David, could complicate matters further, potentially revealing connections that tie him to both Riana and Selena in ways they never anticipated. Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions, as loyalties will be tested, and the fragile trust between them hangs by a thread. The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of relationships, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover who will emerge victorious in this battle of wits and hearts.
Mark