Chapter 26 This Woman Holds Secrets
“Pass?” he repeated in the local language, his gaze flicking toward the corner where Emma had disappeared.
“No pass, no entry. Sir, guest access is restricted to the lobby and main venue.” The guards remained polite.
He paused and asked, “What about this area behind…?”
“The backstage area is for designers and models.”
“My friend is inside. Could you have them come out to meet me?”
“I’m sorry, sir. Without a pass, no one is permitted entry.”
He nodded and walked away.
He pulled out his phone and called Emma.
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the restroom. Don’t wait for me.”
After hanging up, he lifted his eyes, a faint smile touching his lips.
She clearly has secrets.
⸻
Emma rushed to her seat just five minutes before the fashion show began.
Their seats were arranged in a line in the centre of the front row: she was on the far left, followed by Liam, Ryan, and Anna, and Ethan was on the far right.
Panting, she sat down and nodded to Liam.
Noticing the fine beads of sweat on her forehead, he pulled a pack of tissues from his pocket, tore one out, and handed it to her.
“Thanks,” she said.
He leaned back in his chair and reached across her back to wrap his arm around her.
Startled, she turned to look at him. No wonder their seats were positioned farthest from the others—he’d planned this all along.
She leaned back, pinning his hand between her back and the chair.
His lips curved upward as his large hand squeezed her waist.
“Mmm!” She gasped softly, then feigned a cough.
“Please mind your manners, Mr. Hayes,” she whispered in warning.
He ignored her.
Emma sighed as her gaze locked with a pair of alluring eyes across the room.
The woman’s expression was devoid of emotion, and her piercing stare was fixed firmly on Emma. Her lips curved into a smile that was part challenge and part envy.
Emma froze, about to ask Liam about it, but she noticed his icy gaze sweep across the room before snapping back.
She held back.
⸻
The fashion show was about to begin.
Kennedy was now the first to walk the runway. With a classic model’s face, she walked with steady, measured steps.
Liam turned his gaze back to Emma, feeling for the first time that he didn’t fully know her.
The Claire she’d mentioned must be the renowned designer in the industry.
He chuckled to himself. He’d been slow on the uptake.
Emma’s gaze followed Kennedy’s movements, finally settling on a Black model.
Her gaze suddenly grew distant, and a faint mist settled over her eyes.
Liam studied the spring collection on the model wearing black: a white half-turtleneck with a teal stripe slanting from shoulder to waist, teal edging trimming the cuffs and collar, the sleeves gathered into soft, puffed volume.
She withdrew her gaze, whispering, “That’s Muse’s design.”
“Is she here tonight?” Liam watched the runway intently, tilting his head slightly to listen to her.
They looked like a couple sharing a secret.
“She should be. It’s her first invitation to Fashion Week. It’s important to her.” Emma smiled faintly, her gaze meeting the woman’s bright eyes once more.
“Could you please remove your hand? I’m uncomfortable sitting like this.” She couldn’t bear that stare any longer.
“No.” He insisted, keeping his arm there with deliberate laziness, as if she were a prop in a performance only he understood.
⸻
The runway show lasted over an hour and was a breathtaking spectacle. The garments’ styles and designs drew gasps of admiration from everyone.
After the show, they gathered to listen to the designers’ interviews.
“Liam.” A soft, sweet voice came from behind them.
Emma and the others turned around, but only Liam glanced over his shoulder before looking away.
Emma recognized her at once. This was the ex-girlfriend who had dined with Liam at the restaurant that day.
Well. Plot twist.
“Someone’s looking for you, Mr. Hayes.” Emma teased.
His icy gaze slid to her.
She quickly shut her mouth and turned her attention to the designer being interviewed up front. The others also sensibly averted their eyes.
Ryan turned his head and whispered, “Are you trying to get fired by the boss, Emma?”
“I’d love to, but I haven’t had the chance yet,” she replied with a sly smile.
“You! Watch out—he’ll definitely punish you tonight!” Ryan warned.
“It can’t be that bad,” she murmured.
⸻
Liam turned to face the woman. “Lily Foster.”
“Would you be free for dinner tonight?” Lily asked in a sweet voice. “I’m not familiar with this area. Could you take me out to dinner? I’ll cover the bill.”
“Sure.” He agreed without hesitation.
Emma froze.
Did he not say there was “absolutely no chance” with his ex? Then why is he agreeing to dinner?
A tightness gripped her chest, making it hard to breathe.
“See you tonight,” Lily said before the click-clack of her heels faded away.
Liam clenched his jaw and turned abruptly. His broad shoulder slammed hard into Emma’s side.
“!” Emma nearly toppled over, grabbing his shirt to steady herself.
“You did great, Emma. I’ll treat you to Brussels sprouts tonight,” Liam said.
Emma was taken aback. Brussels sprouts were her most hated food—she couldn’t even stand the smell.
“Emma doesn’t like Brussels sprouts, Mr. Hayes,” Ethan interjected with a grin, trying to speak for her.
“I do,” Liam replied, gazing at Emma coldly.
Anna, standing beside him, nudged Ethan’s arm, signalling him to stop talking.
⸻
Dinner was arranged in a private room at a rooftop restaurant.
Upon arrival, Lily was already seated. The dishes had been ordered in advance and would be served only once everyone was sitting.
Emma could tell at a glance the table was laden with Liam’s usual favourites.
After taking his seat, Liam ordered a Brussels sprouts salad.
Lily sat beside him. Emma hadn’t wanted to sit near him, but Ryan steered her firmly into the empty chair at Liam’s side.