Chapter 17. Contradictory Emotions

Ricard abruptly stopped the car, his gaze darkening as he looked straight at Emma. She could feel the quiet tension between them, a silence that stretched into eternity before Ricard spoke. His voice was low but sharp:

“Are you playing games with me, Emma?”

His question cut through the calm atmosphere in the car like a sharp blade, startling Emma. She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes, which remained devoid of warmth.

Ricard didn’t let the moment linger. He continued, his voice colder than ever, “If you lie to me again, I’ll kick you out of this car immediately and leave you in the most deserted part of this city. Don’t think I won’t.”

His threat, though severe, brought Emma an entirely different feeling. Was she afraid of him? Of course not.

“Alright, I’m getting tired anyway; I won’t tease you anymore.”

Emma exhaled a long breath and slowly recited another address, this time with much more confidence. “This address is definitely corre