Chapter 21

Walking out of the interview room, Emma felt unusually lighthearted—as if even the air brushing past her had gotten fresher. The interviewers hadn't said anything final, but she was confident in her skills. She believed she had what it took for this job. In rare good spirits, Emma decided to grab some groceries and cook herself a nice dinner. Back home, facing the familiar emptiness of the villa, she didn't feel like letting her thoughts spiral. Instead, she picked up the fresh shrimp she'd just bought and headed straight for the kitchen. It was almost six when Ethan stared blankly at the documents on his desk, feeling more irritated by the minute. He'd wanted to drown himself in work and block out all the annoying crap in his head—but for once, that trick didn't cut it. The moment he closed his eyes, all he could see was her tear-streaked face. The harder he tried to forget, the clearer it came back. Frustrated, Ethan grabbed the file and chucked it on the floor. His assistant happene