Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Ig69 “It’s okay” Robert said with a warm smile. He turned to Emma, his voice softening. Tll stop by another day when I have time.

Make sure to say hi to your mom and dad for me.”

Emma nodded After Robert left, Yolanda teased, “Emma, is something brewing between you and Robert?”

Emma blushed. “Yolanda, you always tease me.”

me on, Emma, Robert is seriously handsome. You two look like a perfect couple. Selena chimed in, her eyes sparkling with envy.

“When will I meet my prince charming”

“Emma isn’t crushing on Robert,” Natalie said.

Selena asked, curious. “Then who is it? Natalie, spill the beans about the mystery guy who’s caught Emma’s heart”

Natalie took a sip of her coffee, ready to respond, but Emma shot her a warning glance.

Noticing the silent exchange, Yolanda frowned ‘Emma, it seems like you don’t think of us as friends.”

“What do you mean? Emma asked, puzzled.

Yolanda huffed, “If we’re really friends, why wouldn’t you share who you like? Are you afraid one of us will blab?”

Emma shook her head. “It’s not like that, Yolanda. Actually, everyone knows this person.”

“We do?” Yolanda raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Emma felt troubled, unsure if she should reveal the name or keep it under wraps.

Noticing her discomfort, Natalie considered stepping in, but Yolanda turned back to her. “Natalie, you hang out with Emma the most. Can you tell us who it is?”

Natalie glanced at Emma, silently asking for permission.

Emma nodded slightly. With that, Natalie said, “Well, this person is pretty popular at school. If I had to sum him up in one word, it would be ‘genius.”

Almost without thinking, everyone knew who this person was–Justin. No one else deserved the title of “genius”

“It’s totally normal to like him. After all, he’s every girl’s dream guy.” Selena said, starry–eyed. “Emma, you grew up with him, right?”

Emma nodded. She, Robert, and Justin had all been close since childhood. But Justin had always been more distant and reserved, unlike Robert, who was friendly and easy to talk to They used to play together as kids, but Justin was always a little different. Even back then, he was calm and level–headed.

Elysia had liked Justin for a long time, but as they grew up, he seemed to pull away and become unapproachable.

Elysia had no idea who they were talking about and didn’t really want to know–the guy Emma liked couldn’t be a good person anyway.

14.04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 17 “Im so jealous of Emma for growing up with two handsome guys. That’s the dream for so many Selena said, then turned to Elysia. “What’s your name??

“Ely, Ely replied Selena nodded.

Yolanda chimed in, “I noticed you haven’t taken your eyes off Robert since he got here. Are you crushing on him?”

Elysia was left speechless.

Emma felt a surge of excitement. She had picked up on that too. If Elysia really did like him, it would be the perfect chance to tease her. But even if she didn’t, it was enough that everyone else thought she did.

“Sorry for being late, a cool voice interrupted. Everyone turned to see Elena, dressed in a teal cardigan dress that added to her already icy vibe.

Yolanda joked, “Look who finally graced us with her presence. Chairwoman Elena, we’re already honored to have you here”

“This isn’t school, so just call me Elena,” Elena said, walking over to the long table. But when she looked, she found all the seats were taken “We have a new member today, Yolanda said, pointing to Elysia That’s why we’re full Elysia glanced at Elena, who really was stunning. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take before Elena found something to criticize.

As everyone awaited some sort of drama, a faint smile appeared on Elena’s face. Then let’s grab another chair,” she said. With that, she signaled the waiter behind her and pointed to the space next to Elysia. “Please add a chair here. Everyone was taken aback. Elena was known for being cold and distant, so her behavior today felt really out of character. The waiter quickly brought over a chair and set it down next to Elysia. Elena took a seat.

Yolanda collected herself first. She looked at Elysia and picked up their earlier conversation. “Elysia, you still haven’t answered my question. Do you like Robert?”

Elysia smiled softly and said, “No, I don’t. He just reminded me of someone I used to know.”

“Oh, that makes sense. No wonder you were staring at Robert like that!” Yolanda exclaimed.

“Who is this old friend of yours that can compare to Robert? You have to introduce us,” Emma urged.

“We haven’t been in touch for a long time. But if I get the chance, I promise I will,” Elysia replied “Are you kidding us? I just heard Emma say you came back from the countryside. Who could you possibly know out there that’s as charming as Robert?” Selena said, pouting in disbelief.

Just then, the waiter began serving snacks. As one waiter walked by Elysia, he accidentally bumped into her chair. She was only sitting a third of the way back, and the bump sent her chair upping over, causing her bag to fall to the ground.

Fortunately, Elysia reacted quickly and stood up just as she sensed the kit. If she hadn’t, she would have ended up on the ground along with the waiter.

14:04 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 17 8.67%1 The waiter, looking a bit flustered, quickly picked up her bag. Tm really sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to do that,” he said, apologizing sincerely.

Emma watched the scene unfold, a small smirk creeping onto her face–the real drama was just around the corner.

Yolanda glanced at Elysia and teased. “You’re not really going to argue with a waiter, are you?”

“It’s fine, you can go.” Elysia smiled at the waiter calmly. Then she placed her bag back on the now–righted chair. She instinctively peeked inside as she lifted it–a striking blue diamond necklace was tucked inside.

Elysia frowned, realizing this was Emma’s real reason for inviting her today. She could already imagine the trouble this diamond necklace could cause if anyone discovered it in her bag