Chapter 936

Emily looked up and said, “Then you’d better stop thinking about it.”
Emma let out a huff. “You know, a few years ago when I tried to set you up with Tristan Davis, you couldn’t have cared less. Now look at you, suddenly all possessive.”
Emily just shrugged. “So what? I’m with him now, and that’s what matters.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Well, knowing you’re together puts my mind at ease. All right, you get some sleep. I’m heading home.”
Emily hesitated for a moment, then called after her, “Wait.”
Emma paused at the door. “What is it?”
Emily looked at her steadily. “What were you really doing tonight?”
Emma’s face froze for a split second before she forced a casual smile and waved her hand. “I was just out shopping, nothing special. Don’t overthink it.”
Emily’s gaze was unwavering. “But I saw you following Isabella Austin’s parents around.”
This time, Emma’s expression stayed stiff a little too long-her guilt written plain as day.
Emily pressed on. “Mom, when did you even meet Isabella Austin’s parents? Why were you looking for them?”
Emma’s voice shot up defensively. “What are you talking about, Isabella Austin’s parents? I don’t even know them! I have no idea what you’re saying. I wasn’t following anyone-I was just out shopping, that’s all. Don’t make up stories.”
Emma couldn’t see her own face, maybe didn’t realize how transparent her guilt really was.
She never was very good at hiding what she felt; every thought showed on her face.
“Mom-” Emily began.
“Enough!” Emma spun around, waving her hand dismissively behind her back. “That’s it, time for bed! Stop with all these questions. I need to get some sleep, too.”
Without another word, she hurried out, slamming the door behind her so hard it rattled the frame-a sure sign she was rattled herself.
Emily sat on her bed, rubbing her temples with a sigh. There was no use pressing further; Emma would never admit anything, and Emily had nothing but suspicions.
She wasn’t the type to dwell endlessly on things she couldn’t figure out. If she couldn’t solve it, she let it go for now. Pulling the covers over her head, she decided to sleep on it.
That week, Tristan had to go into the office at The Davis Group every day.
Because of the commute, he’d leave early in the morning-so early that Emily didn’t even see him before he left.
The days blurred by. Her work with Albert Rivera went smoothly, just as he’d promised. He kept business and personal matters strictly separate—no awkwardness, no withdrawal, just the same professional relationship as always. The
only difference was the absence of the daily bouquets he used to send.
For five days, Emily kept an eye on her mother, but Emma didn’t show any more odd behavior or suspicious outings.
Even though her doubts lingered, Emily decided to let things lie. She didn’t press Emma for answers.
But there was something else nagging at her that week.
Tristan was about to go on another business trip—this one expected to last even longer than any before.
Maybe it was because they were still in the honeymoon phase, or maybe because Tristan had a touch of separation anxiety. No matter how late he finished at the office during the workweek, he’d still drive all the way back to Emily’s place every night, only to get up at the crack of dawn and drive back to work.
Their only time together ended up being those few quiet moments before they fell asleep each night.