Chapter 99

　　Soon, Emily found herself in Friedel's presence.As she prepared to articulate her purpose, the man abruptly raised his head. In a cold voice, Friedel suggested, "Come on, let's go into the study first." He turned and ascended the stairs.Positioned behind him, Emily tilted her head slightly to observe his complete figure, the cadence of his walk, the sweep of his hand movements... It all felt so familiar.Emily's thoughts involuntarily drifted back to Derek, and she let out a small sigh.Was it merely the yearning for him that made any semblance seem like him?Suppressing her emotions, Emily followed him up the stairs. The study was spacious, and Friedel settled on the balcony. It was about ten meters from where Emily stood by the door."I've agreed to the collaboration you proposed earlier," Friedel declared, sitting on an office chair, his dark eyes sweeping over her blandly. "However, I need to assess your capabilities first."Emily responded with a light tone, "And what would it take f