Chapter 14. The Encounter

Ricard stood in front of Emma, his sharp gaze seemingly piercing through her, searching for a reason why she was still here. He frowned, unable to hide his curiosity and slight irritation as he saw her standing under the dim streetlight, holding a cigarette that was nearly burnt out.

“Why haven’t you gone home yet?” His voice was low, carrying a touch of coldness and firmness.

Emma blew out a final puff of smoke before extinguishing the cigarette beneath her foot. She lifted her head, her cold and sharp eyes meeting Ricard’s, but a mischievous smile played on her lips. “I’m waiting for you,” she replied, her voice laced with a hint of challenge, as if she were playing a game with rules only she knew.

Ricard’s frown deepened, not understanding Emma’s true intentions. “Waiting for me?” he repeated, his tone skeptical. “For what?”

Emma didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she pushed herself off the cold wall she had been leaning against for a long time. But as s