Chapter 30

Gabriel immediately noticed the subtle change in Emma's demeanor. No matter how much she tried to appear composed, the way her slender fingers twisted together betrayed her emotions. His gaze darkened briefly before he concealed it. Then, in a deliberately casual tone, he said, "A friend of mine is hosting a gathering tomorrow. Come with me. I don't like unfamiliar women approaching me." His words pulled Emma from her swirling thoughts, and she hesitated. Their arrangement was only meant to fool their parents, but now, he was bringing his friends into it? After a beat, she asked, "You haven't forgotten… the rules we set, have you?" Gabriel's eyes narrowed. His expression was unreadable as a heavy pressure settled around him. Emma instinctively shrank back, and her voice grew softer. "We agreed to pretend we weren't married in front of others." His dark eyes flickered with something indecipherable. Then, in a low, husky voice, he said, "You can hide it from your friends if you nee