Chapter 71


    71 Schemes and Suspicions


    Emma, caught in the whirlwind of her friends‘ gossip and spection, set Maryann’s luxurious gift box


    aside, looking at Jada and Bonnie with a mix of exasperation and resolve. “Can you stop looking at me


    like that? There’s nothing going on between me and anyone else. I’m not nning to get involved with


    someone new. I’ve just freed myself from aplicated marriage, and I’m not ready to jump into


    another rtionship.”


    Jada, still holding the box, nced at Emma skeptically. “But with all this talk about Maxwell and now


    Maryann’s photo… it’s all quite intriguing, don’t you think?”


    Emma sighed, trying to brush off the implications. “Intriguing or not, it’s irrelevant to me. I’m focusing on


    my career and personal growth right now.”


    Maryann, having observed the exchange, stepped in. “I understand, Emma. But I thought you might


    like these profiles, even if just for a read.” She then handed Emma two smaller, red velvet boxes.” And I


    got you these rubies and a sapphire ring. They’re more your style.”


    Opening the boxes, Emma was struck by the beauty of the jewels. The rubies glowed with an alluring


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    light, and the sapphire ring was elegantly captivating.


    “Thank you, Maryann! They’re beautiful,” Emma said, her voice softening.


    The conversation shifted to the impending return of Emma’s childhood friends, the twins. Bonnie


    teased Emma about considering Desmond as a potential partner. Emma chuckled at the suggestion.”


    Desmond and I have always been just friends. Let’s not make thingsplicated.”


    The evening was filled withughter and stories about old times and Maryann’s recent film sess.


    However, their joyous gathering took an unexpected turn. A paparazzo snapped a photo of Bonnie and


    Maryann leaving together, leading to rumors online about their supposed cohabitation.


    The next day, the story went viral. Jada showed Emma the post, and they both shared a resigned


    chuckle. “Looks like Bonnie’s going to have to deal with this now,” Emma said, half–amused, half-


    concerned.


    Meanwhile, at Alex’spany, his assistant Collins was dealing with a tricky situation involving Lillian,


    Alex’s sister. Aware that Lillian often stirred up trouble, Alex had asked Collins to keep an eye on her


    during her visit.


    Lillian approached Collins with a request, her eyes filled with hope. “Collins, there’s something I need


    your help with. If you make it happen, I’ll ensure Alex gives you a raise.”


    Collins, ustomed to handling Lillian’s whims, felt a headache brewing. Each time he had resolved


    one of Lillian’s issues, it felt like he had aged years. Now, facing yet another request, he braced himself


    for what was toe.


    “I can’t help without Alex’s approval, Lillian. Why don’t you ask him directly?” Collins suggested, trying


    to deflect her request.


    71 Schemes and Suspicions


    Lillian’s expression darkened. “If you won’t help me, I’ll tell Alex to fire you!”


    Collins, unfazed by her threat, stood his ground. “I can only assist with Alex’s permission. Discuss it


    with him first.”


    Lillian persisted, her voice softening. “Can’t you just tell me if Alex needs a date for the charity g? I


    want to go with him.


    Collins hesitated. He knew Alex rarely attended such events and doubted he would bring Liberty, his


    currentpanion. “You should check directly with Alex. He might agree to it.”


    Lillian, seeing an opportunity, decided to pursue the matter with Alex. But her real intent was to stir up


    trouble for Emma at the g..


    After leaving Lillian, Collins felt uneasy about her intentions. He suspected she was plotting something


    against Emma and decided to inform Alex.


    Interrupting Alex’s meeting, Collins whispered his concerns to him. Alex’s mood shifted instantly upon


    hearing Collins‘ suspicions.


    “Keep an eye on Lillian. Don’t let her leave my office until I’m done here,” Alex instructed, his voice.


    low and serious.


    Everyone else in the conference room was left wondering about the sudden change in Alex’s


    demeanor. The air was thick with tension as Alex’s thoughts turned to protecting Emma from whatever


    scheme Lillian was concocting.