369: Unseen Threats

As Emma and Bauer returned home laden with carefully chosen gifts, little did they know that their day of casual shopping had been under watchful eyes. The weight of unspoken words and unmet glances between them seemed heavier as they approached Emma's front doorstep. "Thanks, but these people are already part of my research team. It's kind of surprising you know them," Emma remarked with a puzzled smile, shifting the shopping bags in her arms. Bauer, his expression thoughtful, nodded in understanding. "Of course," Bauer chuckled, brushing off the coincidence. "About dinner, I really hope it's not too much. I just want to make a good impression." Emma eyed the array of items they had bought, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I appreciate it, really. But you don’t need to try so hard. My family isn’t that hard to please." As they talked, a subtle unease lingered in the air, a foreboding sense that something was out of place. "Let’s hope it's enough to just break bread together," Baue