Emma stiffened at the word "wife," her smile faltering. "Wife..." she repeated under her breath, her voice barely audible.
Claire pretended not to notice Emma's awkwardness and asked, "Were you talking to just now?"
Emma shook her head quickly, brushing off the mont. "No, I wasn't. I didn't say anything. Do you want sothing?" Emma asked thinking Claire probably needed sothing; hence, she ca knocking.
Claire let the mont slide, deciding not to push Emma further. Instead, she clasped her hands together, shifting the conversation to the direction Emma wanted.
"Well, if it's not too much of a bother, I was hoping you could do a favor."
"A favor?" Emma repeated, her hesitation evident.
Claire nodded. "I didn't bring much with —just the essentials. I was thinking of going shopping today to get so clothes, but I really don't want to go alone. Would you mind coming with ? I would really love it, except of course if you're busy."
Emma hesitated, torn. Go shopping with Claire? After everything that's happened between Alex and ? She wasn't sure she could handle spending so much ti with Alex's sister, especially considering their complicated history.
There was also the gnawing fear of getting too close to Alex's family when she believed Alex didn't truly care for her.
Claire noticed Emma's reluctance and pressed gently. "I promise I won't keep you out all day. It'll be a quick trip, just to grab a few things. I would've gone alone but I really need the company."
Emma tried to form an excuse, but the sincerity in Claire's eyes stopped her. Why does she even want to go with her? She couldn't help but wonder if there was an ulterior motive behind the request. But Claire didn't seem threatening—if anything, her tone and posture suggested she genuinely wanted Emma's company.
Claire, for her part, was studying Emma closely. She's so guarded, Claire thought. I can't bla her after everything with Jake.
But she and Alex... there's sothing there. I know it. Maybe spending ti with them will help figure out how to bring them closer together.
"I..." Emma finally sighed, realizing she couldn't refuse without coming across as rude. "Okay. I'll co with you."
Claire bead, genuinely pleased. "Thank you, Emma. I really appreciate it." She paused and then added with a playful smile, "You might actually enjoy it, you know."
Emma smiled faintly, unsure. 'I doubt it,' she said in her head.
As Claire walked off to prepare for their outing, Emma leaned against the doorfra, her thoughts swirling with different possibilities.
Why does she want to spend ti with ? Is she trying to get close to for Alex's sake thinking he likes ?
The idea made her chest tighten. She wasn't sure she could handle being part of their family dynamic when Alex's feelings—or lack of it—were still so unclear to her.
Claire, anwhile, was walking down the hallway, her mind already forming plans. Emma's trying to keep her distance, but I won't let her. She needs to see how much Alex cares for her, even if he's too stubborn to admit it yet. This will work. It has to.
Away from there, Ivy sat at her desk, her mind only partially on the spreadsheet displayed on her laptop.
After her call with Emma, she had tried to focus on work, but Emma's confession about Alex was still gnawing at her.
How dare he say such to her? Ivy clenched her jaw, forcing herself to push those thoughts aside. I'll deal with that later. Right now, I have a business to save.
She pressed the intercom button. "Selena, co to my office."
Monts later, Selena stepped in, her notebook clutched tightly to her chest. "You called, ma'am?"
"Yes." Ivy leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen against the desk. "How far have you gone with those cooking agencies I asked you to reach out to yesterday?"
Selena opened her notebook and flipped through a few pages. "I contacted three agencies, ma'am. One of them said they're short on staff and can't take on new clients at the mont. The other two sent representatives, but..." She hesitated.
"But?" Ivy arched a brow, her patience wearing thin.
Selena looked nervous. "What they made wasn't half as good as what Hunter made when he ca here. Our second chef is trying, but..."
Ivy sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. This is exactly what I was worried about. She waved a hand.
"Go on," she urged, looking closely at Selena.
Selena shifted on her feet. "Ma'am, I know you're upset with Hunter, but..."
"Selena!" Ivy's tone was sharp.
"I'm sorry," Selena said quickly, "but I really think you should reconsider hiring him, ma'am. Custors have started complaining, and so regulars haven't returned because our second chef isn't as good as our forr chef. If this continues, D-Stones Foods will take notice, and you know they'll jump at the chance to use this against us. We can't afford that, ma'am."
Ivy stared at her, her expression unreadable. Inside, however, her thoughts churned. Losing custors? And D-Stones? I can't let them see a weakness.
Though she knew that what Selena was saying was the truth, she still found it very embarrassing to call Hunter. How could no one be good as him?
Why did her chef have to move towns? She sighed, not seeing any other way around it. This was her business in question.
After a long pause, Ivy sighed in resignation. "Fine. Bring Hunter's file."
Selena looked surprised but relieved. "Yes, ma'am. I'll get it right away." She turned to leave but hesitated.
"What now?" Ivy asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"Would you like to sort through the files for you?"
"No," Ivy said, standing. "I'll find it myself. Go."
Selena nodded quickly and left the office.
Ivy strode over to the file cabinet, flipping through the neatly labeled folders until she found the one marked Hunter Stone. She took it back to her desk and opened it, scanning the contents with interest.
Hunter Stone, she mused, her brow furrowing. Why does that na sound familiar? She shook her head, flipping through the pages.
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