220: Unexpected Revelations

After exploring Francis' room and marveling at the depth of his interests, Emma was greeted by Bauer, whose arrival was both expected and a surprise. The sight of Emma and Francis engrossed in a game, seemingly worlds away from the day's earlier tensions, prompted Bauer to comment with a mixture of humor and curiosity. "I never thought a call from Francis could pull you away from whatever it was that had you so occupied today," Bauer remarked, offering Emma an apple, which she declined without shifting her gaze from the game's immersive world. "It was Francis' persistence, really. There's something about being earnestly badgered by someone that makes it hard to say no. Plus, I was curious about this famed decoration of yours. When's the big reveal party happening?" Emma teased, her attention still divided between the game and the conversation. Bauer chuckled, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. "We've barely scratched the surface of decorating. And as for parties, tha