Chapter 42. You and I, Past and Present

“I didn’t expect Director Smith to know Jackson!”

Emma gently moved closer to Jackson and naturally linked her arm with his, as if to affirm the closeness between them. This gesture did not escape Anna’s notice, who immediately took note and smiled slyly.

“Emma, what’s the relationship between you two?” Anna asked, her tone deliberately teasing, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “You both seem very close.”

Emma only smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief but also with confidence. “We’re just friends,” she replied with ease, revealing nothing but calm. “He’s a good friend of mine.”

Anna looked at Emma, her lips curling into a suggestive smile. “Just friends? I don’t believe it,” she teased, her voice both gentle and provocative. “You two make a lovely couple.”

Emma laughed heartily, as if responding to Anna’s teasing with her own playful wit. “Anna, you’re something else,” she said, her eyes bright, politely covering her mouth as she laughed.