172: Unexpected Encounter

At the tranquil stable, Emma and Francis were engrossed in their world, discussing the nuances of horse riding when an unwelcome figure approached. "Why are you here?" Emma's voice, laced with an edge, broke the serene atmosphere. “Are you tracking me or something?” She peered at him suspiciously. Alex, with a hint of annoyance flickering across his face, retorted, "Is my presence here an issue for you, Emma?" Emma, unamused by Alex's tone, fired back, "Why would your whereabouts concern me? Or do you think you own this stable?" Alex, feeling a surge of irritation, attempted to steer the conversation towards a more pressing matter. "It's not about where you are, Emma. It's about Bella. Do you understand her current state?" Emma couldn't help but let out a laugh, baffled by Alex's attempt to involve her in Bella's predicament. "And what exactly does Bella's situation have to do with me?" Alex, with a heavy heart, tried to appeal to Emma's compassion. "You know, Bella i