396: Unwelcome Reminders

After breakfast, the routine dispersal unfolded as everyone headed to their respective duties—some to work, others to the hospital. Gable, however, found himself confined to home, a feeling of uselessness washing over him as he observed the organized bustle of his siblings. Though confined to his wheelchair, he took solace in managing the company's affairs from his sanctuary, a task only he could proficiently handle. Emma, meanwhile, had just reached her company when she unexpectedly ran into Alex in the downstairs lobby. The air tensed immediately. Given their last acrimonious encounter, she hadn’t anticipated crossing paths with him so soon, certainly not here. Alex approached, his expression strained as he tried to mask his emotions. "Emma, why does it bother you so much that I wear this ring? It’s just a piece of metal reminding me of my past mistakes. Why deny me the chance to reflect?" Emma stared at him, incredulous, a laugh almost escaping her lips. The audacity of his word