Chapter 148. Already Gone

After her conversation with Griffin, Emerald finally felt a sense of closure. She was lighter, happier.

Alaric glanced at her, amused. "What are you smiling about?"

She turned to him, her eyes shining. "Alaric, it just feels amazing that I can finally be with you—without anything holding me back."

A smirk tugged at Alaric's lips. "I feel the same way."

Emerald didn't even ask about Yngrid's fate—she knew Alaric would never let her suffer any injustice. The only thing she needed to do was trust him.

The moment they stepped out of the car, she sensed something was off.

It was too quiet.

A message popped up on her phone from Iris: Gio booked the entire front hall to welcome you.

This extravagant fool, she thought with a helpless smile.

But then she considered how this would ultimately contribute to Alaric's financial gains and felt much better about it.

As they walked toward the front, she realized—this was her first time dining in t