Chapter 12. Facing Reality

Emma shrugged slightly, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint as she faced Ricard. “Ricard, you’re underestimating me again,” she said, her voice soft but full of challenge. “I’m not some naive little doe. I’m in business just like you, and parties like these are nothing new to me.”

Ricard didn’t blink, his gaze cold with a hint of mockery.

“Underestimating you?”

He paused before continuing, “So, is flirting and drinking with those men your way of doing business? Don’t you find it degrading?”

Emma tilted her head slightly, her red lips curving into a faint smile. “Of course not! Don’t you think so?”

Her response only fueled Ricard’s anger. Without hesitation, he grabbed Emma’s wrist and pulled her close. The strength in his hand startled her, but Emma remained calm, her eyes glittering with defiance.

“You don’t understand, Emma,” Ricard said, his voice low and stern. “Those men aren’t what you think. They’ll do whatever it takes to get what