Chapter 245

Emmeline had taken extra care with her appearance. She donned a short black dress that hugged her curves and flared out at the waist. The long sleeves left just a tantalizing hint of skin exposed.

As they approached the table where the others were already gathered, Zavian was the first to catch her eye. His gaze scorched a path over her body that left her flushed and breathless.

“Good evening, everyone.” Richard’s greeting was polite but lacked any real warmth.

Emmeline’s eyes remained locked on Zavian for a beat longer before she tore them away. She gave the group a small, distracted smile as Minnie leaped up to greet her with exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Dear Emmeline, I haven’t seen you all day!” Minnie exclaimed, wrapping Emmeline in a tight hug that she returned with fond affection, grateful for the distraction from her heated thoughts.

“I wanted to join you, but I had...compelling circumstances,” Emmeline murmured with unspoken implications, meeting Z