"Emma, it's been ages since we shared a meal. How about joining me for dinner tonight?"
Elijah Clark's voice cut through the conversation, his suggestion catching Emma Johnson off guard.
She looked into his hopeful eyes. Her first instinct was to refuse. But then she realized—it really had been too long since they'd sat down together. So she nodded.
They ended up at The Waterfront, the restaurant owned by their old classmate Mia Lewis.
Mia's face lit up when she saw Elijah. She personally brought out two new dishes the chef had been developing, insisting they try them.
Emma knew Mia was a good friend to her too, but tonight's special treatment was clearly because of Elijah.
The meal was wonderful. They talked about old times, laughing and reminiscing. Afterward, Elijah insisted on driving her back to Sunrise Manor.
Alexander Wilson followed behind in his own car, watching Elijah's vehicle like a hawk. He wished his eyes had X-ray vision—he'd give anything to know what they were saying inside that car.
The last bug he'd planted under Elijah's car had been discovered within twenty-four hours. Elijah had torn it out without a word.
Alexander had to admit Liam Williams was right about one thing—this man, codenamed "Fox Hunter," might be young, but his IQ was terrifying. And he was ruthless.
Better to tread carefully.
Emma invited Elijah inside for a drink. He just smiled and shook his head.
"If I step through that door, your husband will throw me out."
"He's not that fierce," Emma said, defending Liam without thinking.
Something flickered in Elijah's eyes. Pain, maybe.
"Emma, is there nothing else you want to say to me?"
"What? Oh—thanks for dinner. And if it weren't for you, I'd never have gotten to taste Mia's new dishes."
She smiled at him, her expression deliberately vague.
Elijah's lips curved into a helpless smile as he watched her wave goodbye and disappear through the gates of Sunrise Manor.
The emptiness in his chest grew heavier. Emma, you really don't remember what today is, do you?
Time moved on. Even when memories lingered, some things slipped away.
Emma walked into the bedroom and found Liam Williams sitting on the sofa, his face dark as he watched her.
"You're back."
"Yeah, I'm back."
She looked at him, confused. Something in his tone felt off.
"Had a good time with Elijah?"
"Did you have someone watching me?"
The realization hit her fast. Matthew Clark had taken the day off and left the hospital early. When she'd called Liam to say she wouldn't be home for dinner, she'd told him she was with Olivia Davis—just to keep him from worrying.
But clearly, Liam had sent someone to tail her.
The thought made her blood boil. She felt trapped, her freedom clipped. Her beautiful face flushed with anger.
Liam realized his mistake the moment the words left his mouth. His jealousy had gotten the better of him. But he was Liam Williams—even caught off guard, he never panicked.
So he kept his cool, meeting her furious gaze with steady eyes.
"I had dinner with Ethan Davis tonight. His assistant, Olivia Davis, was there too. And Emilia Clark—if I remember correctly, you told me she's getting a bone marrow transplant in about three weeks. Her diet has to be strictly controlled right now. There's no way she'd go out to eat with you. So besides Elijah, I can't think of anyone else you'd have dinner with and come back this late."
His calm reasoning left Emma speechless. Lying to Liam was nearly impossible.
This man was a strategist through and through. He hadn't even seen Olivia, but he'd already dismantled her excuse.
"Fine, I lied to you. But it's because you're so hostile toward Elijah. I didn't want you to know I was having dinner with him."
"Really? Then tell me—why am I hostile toward him?"
A meaningful smile played on Liam's lips, but his eyes were cold.
"I don't know. But I want you to understand something—Elijah is my childhood friend. I see him as a little brother. I'm not asking you to like him the way I do, but I don't want you two at odds."
Emma decided to lay her cards on the table. Let Liam know where she stood.
"You really just see him as a brother? So he's like family to you?" Liam's sharp eyes narrowed, a glint of something dangerous flickering in them.
"You could say that. He practically grew up at my house. My parents treated him like a son. Then his family moved to Italy, and we lost touch for a long time."
Liam studied her face, not missing a single micro-expression. When he saw how calm she was, he wasn't sure if he felt relieved or disappointed.
She might tell herself she saw Elijah as a brother, but he could see the truth—Elijah didn't see her the same way.
And that was the real reason he bristled every time he saw Elijah.
But he wouldn't tell Emma that.
"I see. It's late. Take your medicine and get some rest."
His reaction surprised her. She'd expected him to lose his temper. Instead, he stood up, took the pill box from Charlotte Harris's tray, and handed it to her with a smile.
The shift was too fast.
What was going on in that man's head? Every time Emma thought she understood Liam, she realized his heart was a bottomless pool. She could never truly know him.
"By the way, my company is organizing a three-day autumn retreat in the countryside the day after tomorrow. Dr. Moore said the fresh mountain air would be good for your recovery. You'll come with me."
It wasn't a request. It was a statement.
"An autumn retreat? You're going on a company retreat with your employees?"
Emma stared at him like he'd grown a second head. Liam just rolled his eyes.