Chapter 119: Jealous Eyes In A Crowded Hall

Emma

My whole body feels shaky and restless the moment Monica throws that sneer my way and struts off. Her sharp heels echo loud against the marble floor. My palms stay damp no matter how many times I wipe them on my skirt. My right hand feels extra slippery inside Knox’s grip.

He steps closer. His body heat brushes against me like a promise. Every muscle in my shoulders tightens away.

“Emma," he says softly. "You really do not have to feel this nervous. Just put Monica out of your mind completely.”

I swallow hard. The lump in my throat refuses to go down. I steal a look up at his face. My eyes dart around the hall that keeps filling up with people. Their voices mix into a hum of greetings and small talk. My mom is still nowhere in the crowd.

The empty space where I expect her to stand makes my stomach twist tighter. I keep scanning faces. I hope she is just busy.

“Look, we should never have walked in holding hands like that," I whisper. "Did you notice the way she stared at us? The anger in her eyes?

“You mean Monica?" he asks. His tone is almost teasing.

“No, my mom. She looked so unhappy, Knox. It felt like she wanted to burn a hole through me with that one look.”

He studies my face. His gray eyes search mine. Then he lets his hand fall away from mine slowly. "You have nothing to worry about," he tells me firmly. "I can deal with her. I promise I will make sure she leaves you alone. No one is going to hurt you while I'm around.”

The hall grows louder. Conversations fill the air. Laughter echoes here and there. Then a horrible screech comes through the speakers overhead. Everyone covers their ears for a second.

I stand there, bite the inside of my cheek until I taste a metallic tang. I am unsure whether I should open up about the rest or keep swallowing the words. Finally I let out a heavy sigh. "There is something I need to tell you.”

His expression changes instantly. Concern softens the lines of his face. He looks younger for a moment. "What is it?”

“Days ago Monica said something strange. The way she talked, it almost sounded like she already knew about us.”

Knox's eyes light up with amusement. A small chuckle slips out of him. "She does not know a thing. Do not pay attention to anything that comes out of her mouth.”

I want to believe him badly. I want his words to wrap around me like a blanket and push the fear away. I want him to make me feel safe the way only he can. The worry sits heavy in my chest anyway. It refuses to leave.

“What if she is not just guessing? What if someone saw something?”

“Do not say another word about it," he cuts in gently. "Stop filling your head with thoughts of Monica or your mom. Let me carry that weight for both of us. You just stay close to me.”

I nod slowly. My mind keeps spinning in circles. Questions pile up faster than I can push them away.

“One more thing," I add quickly."Have you seen how close my mom and Monica have gotten lately? They are always together now.”

Knox breathes out deeply, full of controlled frustration. "Yes, I noticed that too. Monica will not stay in my company much longer. I am handling it quietly. She will be gone before she causes trouble.”

A tiny smile tugs at my lips. The way he says it makes me believe he really can fix this. He can protect what we have.

“Just watch your back please. I know my mom better than anyone. I would bet everything, she is digging for something. She never lets things go once she smells a secret.”

“Emy.”

The nickname freezes me mid-breath. It is sharp and unexpected. Knox's jaw clenches hard. I can see the muscle jump under his skin. Cold anger flickers in his eyes.

I turn slowly. I watch Ethan walking toward us. His usual easy smile is already in place. He is completely unaware of the storm he is stepping into.

Before Ethan gets too close, Knox leans down. His lips brush my ear. His breath is warm against my skin. "So it is Emy now? If he lays one finger on you I will break every single one of them.”

My heart slams against my ribs hard. I almost cannot breathe. The threat sends a mix of fear and heat through me.

“He is a friend," I managed to say. My voice trembles more than I want it to.

Ethan reaches us. He gives Knox a smile. " Morning boss.”

Knox slides both hands deep into his pockets. He fixes Ethan with a stare cold to freeze water. He gives one nod.

“Hi, Ethan," I say, lifting my hand in a wave.

“Good to see you, Emy," Ethan replies warmly. His eyes are bright. "I was hoping you could help me with something.”

I force an awkward smile. As I glance at Knox. "Sure. I will see you later Dad.”

Then I slip my arm through Ethans. I let him lead me away. I chat brightly about things as we walk. We talked about the weather and some minor things.

I do not dare look back. I can feel Knox's gaze burning into us.  A secret thrill runs through me.

We reach Ethan's seat. We settle down and he pulls out his laptop. Then opens file after file. He shows me the designs he created for his department. I lean in. I am genuinely impressed by the lines and bold colors. I tell him what works well. I gently point out the changes that could make everything sharper and more professional.

He listens carefully, nodding. He asks questions. For precious minutes it feels nice to focus on something normal. That has nothing to do with secrets or jealousy.

Soon my bladder starts pressing. I have not had anything to eat or drink today. My nerves probably turn my body against me. I excuse myself, telling Ethan I will be back. I hurry toward the ladies room. My heels click faster than usual.

Inside, I finally relieve the pressure. I feel a little lighter. Some of the tension has drained out with it. I smooth my dress, checking my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed. My eyes are too bright.

The moment I push through the door, I collide hard with someone. Hot coffee splashes across my cream-colored top. It soaks through instantly, searing my skin like fire.

I yelp and quickly jump back. The sting is sharp and sudden, spreading fast across my chest.

“Watch where you are going you idiot!" Monica snaps. She holds her half empty cup like a weapon. Her lips are curled in disgust.

I stand there stunned. The wet fabric clings to me. Heat blooms across my chest, anger mixes inside my stomach.

She does not even look sorry. She just stares at me with that smug expression, waiting for me to crumble.