Chapter_63
Chapter 63
Emmeline returned to the café, still simmering with anger over what had just happened. Despite feeling a bit better after teaching Alana and Alondra a lesson, her plans had been disrupted.
She hadn’t managed to buy a gown, which was frustrating. She had wanted something plain to avoid attracting attention, but Alana had ruined that plan. Now, she was left with no choice but to take a more drastic step.
She downed a cup of coffee, then headed upstairs to find Daisy.
“Go to my villa and bring me the Serene Sea gown,” Emmeline instructed.
Daisy, surprised by the request, blinked. “That will be a bit too showy, won’t it? It’s a limited edition gown, and there’s only one in the entire world!”
“It’ll be fine,” Emmeline said dismissively. “I’ll just tell them it’s an imitation. I don’t have another choice.”
“What about the blue diamond on the collar? People will notice how rare it is.”
“I’ll replace it with a glass one,” Emmeline waved her hand, signaling that the matter was settled. “No big deal.”
“Alright then,” Daisy said, taking the car keys before leaving for the villa.
Daisy was quick, but it still took over an hour for her to make the return trip. She was driving as fast as she could; Emmeline had told her that Abel would be joining them for dinner, which meant she’d need to prepare extra food. Daisy and Sam were both Emmeline’s trusted subordinates, and their skills were exceptional.
Emmeline carefully hid the priceless gown away when Abel arrived shortly after.
“I’ll pick you up for the banquet at Meriwether Mansion tomorrow,” Abel said, his tone cold.
“Nah,” Emmeline replied, rolling up her sleeves and preparing to help in the kitchen.
“Don’t tell me you’re going there on your electric bicycle,” Abel said, following her.
“What’s wrong with that? It’s also a perfectly valid mode of transportation,” Emmeline shot back without missing a beat.
Abel narrowed his eyes. “Hm, or… is Adrien picking you up?”
Emmeline chuckled lightly. “I wonder what’s on your mind, Mr. Ryker.”
“It’s different when you’re with… Adrien,” Abel said, his voice betraying some discomfort.
Emmeline, already in the kitchen, paused at his words. She turned around, and Abel instinctively took a step back.
“Mr. Ryker, how are things between you and Alana?” Emmeline asked, a subtle challenge in her voice.
“Nothing is happening between us,” Abel said, locking eyes with her. “She and I have nothing to do with each other.”
“Then why were you testing me?” Emmeline’s tone was sharp, tinged with annoyance.
Abel cleared his throat. “To be honest, when I first met you at the airport, I thought you and I were meant to be together.”
“But it didn’t turn out that way,” Emmeline retorted with a dismissive snort.
“We can still change our fate,” Abel said quickly, almost as if trying to convince himself. “That’s not a big problem.”
“Heh. You should wait until after Alana gives birth to her child,” Emmeline quipped.
Abel’s expression darkened instantly.
As long as Alana didn’t give birth to her child, Abel would remain stuck between the two women, unable to prove his innocence. Even if he wanted to pursue something with Emmeline, he couldn’t, not while this situation with Alana loomed over him.
“D*mn it!” Abel muttered under his breath, frustration evident.
The next morning, Emmeline received a call from Julianna.
“Emme, I have a gown for you. Come over here and get changed.”
“Thank you, but I’ve already prepared a gown,” Emmeline replied, brushing it off.
“I’ll send the driver to pick you up in the afternoon,” Julianna insisted.
“Sure, thank you,” Emmeline replied, glancing over at Abel, who was sitting at the dining table.
She didn’t need to ride the electric bicycle now. It would be weird to show up at the banquet on her bicycle while wearing a priceless gown. Plus, the long gown would likely get caught in the wheels!
Abel, breaking from his oatmeal, looked up at her. “The driver isn’t Adrien, right?”
“Huh?” Emmeline was caught off guard by the question. She hadn’t even thought about that.
“I’m full,” Abel said abruptly, placing his spoon down and standing up.
He walked away, leaving Emmeline frozen in place. The toast in her hand was inches away from her mouth, her thoughts swirling.
Is Abel… jealous? she wondered, her mind racing.
Had he just shown a flicker of possessiveness?
