216: The Curtain Falls on the Farce

Emma gazed across the room, her eyes capturing the mosaic of reactions—astonishment, denial, but notably, a stubborn refusal to acknowledge their error. In this moment, Emma felt as though her years of silent contributions had been reduced to a mere sideshow, her kindness exploited by those she sought to support. The realization was bitter, likening her efforts to feeding stray dogs that, unlike her acquaintances, might have shown gratitude for her benevolence. "There's no point in further discussion. Their gains have blinded them to their shortcuts, elevating themselves to a pedestal undeserved." Her declaration cast a shadow over their faces, a stark revelation that their self-perceived self-sufficiency was a facade, dismantled by Emma's succinct truth. Nathan, seething with indignation, retorted, "You've always stood apart, your silence a veil over your contributions. Was this your game? A long-con to ridicule us, reveling in our ignorance?" His accusation was a mirror