It was like being near her would burn him.
He didn’t even let his sleeve brush hers.
He looked like he was avoiding even her shadow.
And then—when there was finally enough space—he turned and rushed out of the restaurant, his steps uneven, almost tripping over themselves as he shoved the door open and disappeared outside.
Emma straightened slowly, her eyes following his retreating figure.
She watched him all the way until he pushed through the doors and disappeared outside.
Then—
A small smile appeared on her lips.
Only after he was gone did she turn back.
Her gaze shifted to the two men still sitting at the table.
“Good to see you again, guys,” she said with a polite smile.
But it wasn’t the same smile she had given Harold.
Alexander’s lips curved into a smile, and Sebastian grinned at her as he nodded.
“Good to see you too, Emma.”
She gave a small, casual wave, her fingers barely lifting. “See you around,” she muttered.
Then she turned on her heel and walked away—her posture straight, flawless, as she exited the restaurant without a single glance back.
At the table, silence lingered.
Sebastian picked up his coffee, frowning slightly as he took a sip.
“What the hell is going on between him and her?” he muttered. “Didn’t Harold look like he was being chased by a demon he can’t outrun?”
Alexander met his eyes and gave a small, silent nod.
Then both of them turned toward the door again, their gazes lingering in the direction Emma had gone.
By the time Emma exited the restaurant and reached the parking lot, she noticed Harold standing next to his car, hands folded across his chest.
His arms were folded across his chest.
Gone was the frightened, almost panicked look from earlier. Now, his posture was straight, his chin slightly lifted—an arrogant, prideful expression covering his face.
But the moment Emma started walking toward him—
There it was.
A crack.
A brief flicker of unease crossed his eyes.
He tried to hide it.
But Emma saw right through him.
