Chapter 82

Emma was momentarily stunned when she saw a car pull up right in front of her. The window rolled down, and there was Gabriel. His face was as cool and polished as ever. "Hop in, Emma," he said. She quickly masked her surprise, opened the passenger door, and sat down. With a teasing lilt, she asked, "So, you came prepared, huh?" Gabriel's lips curved into a slight smile. "I knew you'd say yes, so I made sure to pick you up early." Emma returned his smile, and the mood in the car lightened noticeably. As they drove off, Gabriel casually asked if she had a rough day. The pressure was intense now that she had stepped into her new role as executive CEO. Yet she couldn't help but realize that talking to him—or indulging in their other kind of connection—seemed to melt away all her stress. They chatted and laughed all the way to the event. At the venue, Frank stood at the entrance in a sharp suit, waiting with furrowed brows that betrayed his dwindling patience. It was clear that Emma