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