307: Shadows and Whispers

In the swirling midst of a company event, where the clink of glasses and laughter filled the air, Emma found herself caught in a conversation with Maxwell that abruptly shifted her focus. The light mood faded as Maxwell mentioned his unsettling encounter in Wayne's office. "Maxwell, you know I wouldn't ignore anything that might affect Wayne. But this woman you’re talking about, it’s puzzling," Emma responded, her brow furrowed in concern. Maxwell leaned closer, his voice lowering. "I know we should probably not jump to conclusions, but it was not just her presence that was odd. It was her look, Emma—a look that seemed far too intense for a casual visit." As Maxwell described the woman, Emma scanned the room, her mind racing. Wayne had always been open about his dealings, so the secrecy surrounding this woman was troubling. Suddenly, Maxwell’s gaze fixed on a point across the room. "There! That’s her, Emma. Look at how she’s with Wayne now!" Turning her head, Emma’s eyes landed on the woman standing close to Wayne. Her presence seemed to slice through the merriment, drawing a sharp line of tension. Emma’s heart skipped a beat—not out of fear, but an instinctive reaction to something amiss. Without a word, the siblings made their way towards Wayne, their approach unnoticed by him as he laughed at something the woman said. As they drew closer, Wayne’s laughter faded almost instantly, and his expression turned guarded. "Big Brother, who is this?" Emma asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and demand. Maxwell’s eyes were narrowed, his stance protective. Wayne glanced at the woman, then back at his siblings. "This is Nuella. She’s an old friend who needed some professional advice." Nuella turned to face them, her smile polite yet tight. But as her eyes met Emma’s, there was a flicker—something sharp and calculating before she quickly masked it with neutrality. It was so swift Emma nearly thought she imagined it, but it was real. The thought chilled Emma to her bone marrows. "Wayne, earlier you didn’t introduce her to me. That was…a little unusual," Maxwell pressed, his tone suggesting it wasn’t just curiosity. Nuella’s eyes darted between the siblings, and then she laughed softly, a sound that didn’t quite match the tension or reach her belly. "I apologize for the mystery. Wayne was just helping me with a sensitive personal matter. It’s nothing you need to worry about." But Emma wasn’t convinced. The air around them felt charged, the kind of electricity that heralded a storm. "Wayne, her look... it doesn’t seem right. What’s really going on?" Wayne sighed, a look of resignation passing over his face as he met Emma’s gaze. "It’s complicated, Emma. Nuella is indeed an old friend, but she’s also involved in a business deal that’s... delicate. I didn’t want to drag you or Maxwell into it unnecessarily." Emma’s mind raced. Wayne’s explanation did little to soothe her worries—it only layered them with more questions. Who was Nuella? Why did her expression change when her eyes lighted on Emma? Why did she look or feel…mysterious? Questions…questions…questions. Nuella, sensing the growing suspicion, stepped forward. "I assure you, there’s no need for concern, really. Wayne has been a great help, and I’m just here to finalize a few things with him. I hope I haven’t caused any misunderstandings or confusion." She laughed to lighten up the mood. Her words, meant to defuse, only heightened Emma’s alertness. Emma exchanged a look with Maxwell, her decision clear. Wayne was eerily silent, quietly shuffling his feet and rocking back and forth with his hands in his pockets, wearing a faraway expression. "Let’s discuss this later, Wayne. If she’s just a friend, we’ll leave it for now. But we’re here if you need us," Emma said, her tone leaving no room for further debate at that moment. “Oh, right,” Wayne answered, and managed a weak smile. As they walked away, Emma’s mind was abuzz with possibilities. Nuella’s presence and Wayne’s vague responses were unlike him. Something was amiss, and Emma knew that it was not just a simple business deal. Something was wrong, just that she just couldn’t put a finger on it. "What do you think?" Maxwell whispered as they retreated. "I think we need to keep an eye on this situation. There’s more to her than Wayne is letting on, and it’s not just business," Emma replied, her voice laced with resolve. The rest of the event passed in a blur for Emma. Her interactions were mechanical, her laughter forced. Her eyes, however, continuously sought out Wayne and Nuella, watching every interaction, every exchange, determined to uncover the truth behind this strange woman's unsettling expression and unable to get it out of her mind.