556: Rekindled Ties and Unexpected Gestures

Emma stood frozen for a moment, the bouquet of roses in Alex's hand blurring into the vibrant background of her garden. The unexpected gesture threw her off balance, an unsettling reminder of the complexities of their past interactions. Alex, dressed uncharacteristically in a white suit that made him look more like a hopeful suitor than a business partner, shifted awkwardly. "Emma, I know this isn’t the best timing, especially with Mrs. Batzee's arrival, but I wanted to make a gesture—a clear one. I'm not just here about business." The air between them was charged with an unspoken tension, a mixture of past grievances and the potential of a new beginning. Emma's mind raced as she processed his words, her grip tightening slightly on the roses. "Then what are you here for, Alex? If this isn't about our potential collaboration, what’s the real reason?" Emma asked, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt. Alex took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I've been doing a