SWNOVELS Chapter CHAPTER 122
122: An Unwelcome Encounter
Nathan hesitated, caught off guard by Alex’s sudden inquiry about Emma’s whereabouts, “Well, I… um, I’m not quite sure, Alex.”
Alex, sensing Nathan’s discomfort, decided not to delve deeper. “Let’s focus on tonight’s agenda,” he suggested, putting the matter aside for now.
Nathan, still reeling from the unexpected question, murmured, “It’s rather surprising, isn’t it? Emma seems to be mingling quite closely with a few gentlemen lately. First, it was Wayne, and now, who knows?”
Alex’s icy stare immediately silenced him, a clear indication that the topic was off–limits.
Lillian, seizing the opportunity, pointed towards the gathering around the head of the Southern Group. “Look, isn’t that Emma over there with Wayne? Maybe they’re trying to corner you, Alex. Should we go and have a word?”
Her insinuation added a layer of tension, but Alex merely glanced at her, his gaze piercing yet dismissive, before steering Nathan towards Mr. Rhodes.
Upon their approach, Emma and Wayne were already trying to steer the conversation towards potential collaboration, only to be met with Mr. Rhodes’s adept deflections.
When Alex and Nathan joined the group, Mr. Rhodes greeted them with a polite nod, acknowledging Alex’s previous disinterest in any cooperation.
Emma, recognizing the undercurrents of the situation, decided it was time to withdraw, signaling Wayne to do the same.
Wayne, reflecting on their interaction, mused, “It appears Alex might have a prior arrangement with Southern Group. But that’s irrelevant to us. We have our own paths to carve, independent of Southern Group’s affiliations.”
Emma concurred, acknowledging the need to focus on their own objectives rather than getting entangled in a rivalry with Alex for Southern Group’s favor.
After bidding their farewells, Emma found herself in the backyard for a moment of solitude, only to be confronted by Lillian.
Lillian, harboring a grudge, saw this as an opportune moment. “Running away so soon, Emma? We haven’t caught up in ages. And, oh, thanks for the ‘help‘ with my arm. It’s been a real ordeal,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Emma, unfazed by Lillian’s provocation, made it clear she had no interest in dredging up the past. There’s really nothing left for us to discuss, Lillian. I suggest you focus on moving forward, rather than clinging to old grievances.”
Lillian, unable to contain her bitterness, retorted, “Oh, so high and mighty now, are we? Don’t think I’m unaware of your little escapades. Flirting with a few men here and there, are we?”
122 An Unwelcome Encounter
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Emma, maintaining her composure, replied, “Your perception seems clouded by your own prejudices, Lillian. My interactions with others are purely professional. Unlike some, I don’t mix personal vendettas with business.”
With that, Emma walked past Lillian, leaving her to stew in her own concocted narratives, choosing instead to focus on her own path forward, free from the shadows of the past.