11 A Night of Unspoken Words

At the masquerade ball, Wayne's mention of the lavish gifts prepared for Emma instantly shifted her focus. She suggested logging them for future reciprocation, a practice ingrained in their family tradition. “Do you ever tire of these events?” Wayne asked, sensing her disinterest. Emma sighed, “Every smile here hides a lot more than it reveals. I long for a world where words and intentions mean what they say and portray.” Wayne nodded, understandingly. “Perhaps one day, you'll find that world.” As the evening wore on, Stark approached Emma. “You look like your mother tonight,” he said softly. Emma's eyes softened. “I miss her, Dad. She understood me.” Her father wrapped an arm around her. “She'd be proud of the woman you've become, Emma.” In a secluded corner, Emma bumped into Alex. Their eyes, hidden behind the mask, locked, fraught with unspoken history. “Emma?” Alex began, uncertainty lacing his voice. “It’s been a long time, Alex,” she replied coolly, mas