Chapter 901

Elizabeth Wilson paused at the doorway to the office, then turned slightly, glancing back over her shoulder.
Inside, she saw Emily Blair hunched over a stack of papers, pen in hand, scribbling notes with laser focus.
Elizabeth knew exactly what those papers were-plans for the upcoming partnership with Albert Rivera. His firm was generous, the budget more than healthy, and if they pulled it off, the company stood to make a serious profit. No wonder Emily was pouring herself into this one; it was easily one of her biggest priorities right now.
Still, Elizabeth couldn’t help but smirk to herself.
Was Emily so invested because of the project’s profits… or because of Albert Rivera?
Mulling it over, Elizabeth stepped out, closed the door quietly behind her, and pulled out her phone to text Tristan Davis.
Elizabeth: [Mr. Rivera’s coming on strong-fresh red roses every day. Sooner or later, he’s going to win Ms. Blair over.]
Tristan: [Who’s this Rivera guy?]
A wicked grin tugged at Elizabeth’s lips as she typed furiously.
Elizabeth: [You haven’t heard? The CEO of an international finance company has been after Emily Blair lately. He’s not shy about it, either-everyone in the office knows.]
Elizabeth: [I’ve paid attention. The guy’s young, successful, good-looking, and polite. Honestly, he and Emily would make a great match. Good family, too—no skeletons in the closet.]
She paused, then her eyes lit up with mischief as she sent another message.
Elizabeth: [The two companies are working together this week, so Emily’s been spending a lot of time with Mr. Cox going over the project. The vibe is getting pretty suspicious… I bet they’ll get together in no time. As Emily’s friend, don’t you want to come back and gossip with me about it?]
After sending the messages, Elizabeth waited. Tristan didn’t respond. Not for a long while.
She frowned, wondering if maybe she’d gone too far. Was Tristan actually mad?
But what if he was?
That was exactly what she wanted.
She fired off another text, fingers flying.
Elizabeth: [Here’s the kicker-Emily’s aunt even set her up with Albert Rivera for a date before the deal was signed. And now they’re working together. Coincidence? I think not.]
At the top of the chat, Tristan’s name flickered to “typing then back to his name, then “typing again, over and over, but no message appeared.
Elizabeth silently cackled to herself.
Tough, isn’t it? Feels awful, doesn’t it? Maybe you should hurry up and make a move on Emily Blair already…
Just then, her phone buzzed. Finally, a message from Tristan.
Tristan: [Elizabeth, don’t try to wind me up.]
Wind you up?
Not a chance—I’m winding you up and loving it.
Elizabeth snorted and shot back a teasing reply.
Elizabeth: [How am I winding you up? Aren’t you happy for Emily? Looks like she’s about to get a boyfriend. Who’d have thought she’d be the first one of us to get into a relationship?]
Tristan:
Elizabeth nearly doubled over laughing at the string of dots.
Her eyes crinkled as she sent another message.
Elizabeth: [What’s wrong, Mr. Davis? Not happy? Why not tell me? I could use a little entertainment.]
No response from Tristan. Elizabeth was content to wait.
A few minutes passed, then her phone rang-Tristan was calling her directly.
Elizabeth let herself laugh a little longer before picking up. “What’s with the phone call? I’m busy, you know.”
Tristan’s voice was low. “Is Emily with you right now?”
Elizabeth glanced at Emily’s closed office door, stifling another laugh. “How should I know? I’m swamped. Messaging you is the only break I’ve had all day.”
There was a pause on the other end. “Who’s Emily with right now? Why isn’t she answering my calls?”