The moment his eyes landed on Athena, his face tightened as if he’d been caught.
“Athena, why are you back so suddenly?” Emmett hurried over, his grip on her hand firm as he stammered, “Don’t misunderstand. Aliana is the fiancée of one of my close friends. She’s filming nearby, and when their hot water system broke, she came here to freshen up.”
Aliana’s expression soured immediately. The flicker of resentment in her gaze was unmistakable as she glared at Athena.
Her gaze flickered between Emmett and Aliana before she finally spoke, her tone icy but polite. “I hear you’re about to marry soon. Congratulations, Miss Forbes.”
Athena, holding Emmett’s hand firmly, gave a smile that could have melted ice. “Since you two are old friends, I won’t question your relationship,” she said, her voice sugar-sweet. “But let’s do this: when Miss Forbes’s wedding arrives, I’ll gladly attend. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to bring a very generous red envelope.”
As Athena spoke, she noticed the uncomfortable shift in Emmett’s expression; his face flushed with awkwardness, but she pretended not to notice. With a steady smile, she met both their gazes as if the tension was merely a breeze.