It truly was a small world when it came to enemies. Right then, all Emily wanted was to chuck every steak in front of her right at Shirley's smug face.
With a grin, Shirley said, "Emily, what a surprise seeing you here."
Shirley's eyes landed on the bracelet in Emily's hand. "Oh, you found it! I was just wondering how to explain. I didn't mean to throw it out."
Emily scoffed, "It didn't just walk away on its own, did it? Don't push your luck, Shirley!"
Shirley gave Patrick an innocent look.
"Patrick, Emily's always had it out for me. Ever since you showed me the ropes with airlines and hotels, she's been off. I've tried explaining, but..."
"But what?" Patrick asked, his voice icy.
Shirley pouted, "But Emily still resents you for teaching me!"
Emily rolled her eyes, "Shirley, cut the crap! I'm just a regular employee. How the boss trains you is none of my business. I've got no reason to hold a grudge!"
"Employee," Patrick echoed, his face darkening. After all these years, she still saw their relationship as just boss and worker.
Patrick's expression soured. How could she not see how he'd treated her all these years?
Shirley didn't say more, just shamelessly plopped down next to Patrick.
Marlon handed Emily a plate of sliced steak.
"Aren't you hungry? Eat something, it's not good to skip meals."
Emily was grateful for Marlon's help, but seeing Patrick's scowl made her hesitate.
Patrick sneered, "Since when did you become so considerate, Marlon? But it seemsthat Emily doesn't appreciate it."
Emily, who was about to refuse, took the plate, picked up her fork, and started eating, savoring the tender meat and its rich flavor.
Shirley looked at Marlon with fake innocence, "Why'd you order steak? Marlon, the signature dish here is salted smoked shrimp, didn't you know?"
Marlon sighed, "After all these years, you're still the same, annoying!"
"Marlon, watch your mouth!" Patrick snapped.
No wonder Shirley was so bold. Emily shook her head, feeling helpless.
Soon, the salted smoked shrimp arrived. Marlon carefully peeled one and placed it in Emily's bowl.
Emily looked at the shrimp, feeling a warm glow inside. She gave Marlon a grateful smile, "Thanks."
But this scene cut Patrick deep. Watching Marlon take care of Emily like that sparked a flash of anger in his eyes. He couldn't stand seeing Emily being doted on by Marlon.
Shirley, meanwhile, had a smug look, offering a peeled shrimp to Patrick, "Patrick, you usually do this for me. Let me return the favor. Open up."
"Look at that couple over there, they're so sweet."
"Stop staring, they're just in love!"
"The guy's really handsome, and the girl's pretty too, perfect match!"
Hearing the chatter from the next table and seeing Shirley cozying up to Patrick, Emily's mood tanked. She suddenly felt like a fool.
Shirley shot Emily a triumphant glance.
"Oh, Emily, about that thing, I think you misunderstood." Shirley said, feigning innocence.
"What thing?"
"The whole drugging incident."
"Drugged?" Marlon nearly spit out his water, whispering.
Shirley had expected this reaction.
"Marlon doesn't know yet, I shouldn't have mentioned it, it's nothing."
What guy would fall for a woman who'd been drugged? Shirley looked like she was enjoying the drama.
That day when Emily texted him to come to room 316 at the hotel, Marlon had rushed over, only to find the room empty. Later, he heard she'd ended up in the hospital. Something felt off, but with no more info, he let it slide.
Worried, Marlon had dropped by the Rivera Group just to check on Emily.
But Emily, who had expected Shirley to bring this up, stayed calm and collected. She locked eyes with Shirley and said slowly, "I won't let the mastermind get away with it. Sooner or later, she'll pay the price."
Shirley's face twisted with unease. She glanced at Patrick, hoping for backup, but his expression let her down.
Marlon looked at Emily with sympathy, "It's all in the past. I'll be here for you from now on."
Shirley, sensing she had to fend for herself, sneered, "Marlon, are you really okay with what happened to Emily?" She then put on an innocent face.
Patrick, sitting across from Emily, looked like he was ready to explode.
"Whether I'm okay with it or not is none of your business. Emily, have you called the cops?" Marlon asked, concerned.
"I will. I'm not letting this slide," Emily said firmly, looking at Patrick.
Patrick stayed silent, not giving anything away.
Dinner ended on a sour note.
Outside, the lighting was dim and moody.
"I'll take you home," Marlon offered.
"No need, it's close by. I'll grab a cab."
Marlon looked worried.
Meanwhile, Shirley clung to Patrick's arm, ready to leave in his car.
But Patrick shook her off and looked at Emily. "Shirley, I need to talk to Emily. You can take a cab."
"Emily, get in the car." Patrick was as bossy as ever. After a moment's hesitation, Emily got in.
Marlon shook his head and went to start his car.
Shirley stood there, thinking she had Patrick wrapped around her finger, but watching him and Emily drive off filled her with rage.
‘Emily, don't think this is over. Just wait and see,' Shirley thought.
The Bentley pulled up in front of Emily's apartment building. They got out, one after the other.
"What do you want to say? Say it here." Knowing Patrick well, Emily had a feeling that he had something serious to discuss.
"Can't I go to the apartment I rented myself?"
Before she could react, Patrick was already in the elevator.
Inside, Patrick pinned Emily against the wall. "Why didn't you tell me this place was left to you by your dad?"
That's what he wanted to ask? Emily was confused. Was this really that important? And did he ever give her a chance to explain?
Just as she was about to answer, Patrick leaned in and kissed her.
His familiar scent surrounded her, but this time, she wasn't interested. She struggled, tasting blood between their lips.
Patrick stopped.
"Let's end this. As compensation, I've bought this apartment and put it in your name."
The apartment wasn't huge, but it was in the bustling city center, near the river, with great transport links and all kinds of amenities. Recently, a famous university had moved in, driving property prices up.
But was her reputation only worth one apartment?
"Patrick, what do you take me for?" Emily looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"Think about it." Patrick turned and left.