71 Schemes and Suspicions

Emma, caught in the whirlwind of her friends' gossip and speculation, 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 planning to get involved with someone new. I've just freed myself from a complicated marriage, and I'm not ready to jump into another relationship." Jada, still holding the box, glanced 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. T