CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - TRUST, TWISTED AND BROKEN

Emma's phone buzzed insistently. James's name flashed on the screen. She hesitated before answering, "Hello?" "Emma, hey. I've got some information you need to hear," James said, his voice tight with urgency. Emma sat up straighter. "What's going on?" James took a deep breath. "It's about Victoria. She's been manipulating things at work to stay close to Marcus." "What? How do you know this?" Emma asked, her heart racing. "I overheard her talking to a colleague. She's been arranging joint projects, 'accidentally' scheduling meetings at the same time. It's all very calculated," James explained. Emma's mind whirled. "I can't believe she'd go to such lengths. Does Marcus know?" "I don't think so. He seems oblivious to it all," James replied. Emma sighed. "Thank you for telling me, James. I appreciate you looking out for me." There was a pause before James spoke again, his tone shifting. "Actually, Emma, there's something else I wanted to ask you." "Oh?" Emma said, curiosity pique