Unexpected Love

Chapter 22 (Unexpected Confrontations)

Andrew quickly stood up and removed Julia's hands from his shoulders. Emma felt a pang of jealousy as she saw Julia's hands on Andrew's shoulders, but she could see the discomfort on his face.
Emma: I came to ask you about the contract that Hannah mentioned.
Andrew: Yes, of course. Let's discuss it now.
Emma looked at Andrew, then at Julia in a meaningful way. Andrew noticed her glance and looked at Julia as well.
Andrew: Julia, please leave the room.
Julia protested, but Andrew was firm.
Andrew: Julia, I said get out!
Julia left the room angrily, casting a menacing look at Emma on her way out. Emma smiled slyly in response.

Andrew pointed to the sofa and gestured for Emma to sit down. He sat next to her, and they started to work on the contract. They had a productive discussion, and Emma was impressed with Andrew's knowledge and expertise. Andrew, in turn, was impressed with Emma's intelligence and learning speed.
Emma: I think it's good! The items are commensurate with the price.
Andrew: Yes, congratulations!
Emma: Can I ask something?
Andrew nodded.
Emma: Why did you appoint me to rewrite the contract? Was it just a test?
Andrew smiled.
Andrew: It was partly a test, yes. But also because I believe in you, Emma. You have great potential, and I want to give you the opportunity to shine.

A warmth spread through Emma's chest as she looked at Andrew. For a moment, it seemed like everything else in the world had faded away. Andrew kept looking into her eyes, then down at her lips. Emma gazed back at him with urgency, and Andrew couldn't control himself any longer. He leaned in towards her, but just as their lips were about to meet, Peter opened the door.
Peter cleared his throat, breaking the moment. Emma quickly got up from her seat.
Peter: I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?
Emma: No, not at all! We were just discussing the contract. I was just leaving.
Peter: I'm sure you did well, Emma!
Emma: Thank you!
Emma smiled and gathered her things to leave. As she walked out of the office, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity that Andrew had given her. And maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for them to start something again.

Peter closed the door after Emma and looked at Andrew.
Peter: Let's take things slowly. It would be better, huh?
Peter sarcastically repeated what Andrew had said before, while Andrew looked at him and then turned away. Meanwhile, Tom was sitting at his desk, and a man was standing in front of him.
The man: He hasn't been to this apartment in three years, sir.
Tom: So you're saying the papers we need won't be there?
The man: Yes, sir. He's keeping the papers either at the company or in his house, and in both cases they're highly protected, so we can't just rob them.
Tom slammed his fist on the desk in anger.
Tom: I've been waiting for three years, and you're telling me we can't take anything from him that easily?!
The man: I'm sorry, sir. I did all I could.
Tom: You haven't done enough!

Tom pulled out his gun and shot the man, then motioned to another man to take care of him. Another man started to speak.
The second man: There's something else, sir.
Tom: What?
The second man: Adam's daughter, the girl, she's come back. She's staying at their house.
Tom: Great! Now we have leverage!
At the company, everyone finished their work and went home. They all went to their respective rooms for the night. It was about 1am when Emma felt thirsty. She looked around but couldn't find any water, so she went to the kitchen. As she was getting a glass of water, she heard the front door open and then close. She put the glass down slowly on the table and turned to see who it was. His face wasn't clear to her, and it was too dark to tell. Emma heard his footsteps coming towards the kitchen as the light turned on.

She was scared and didn't know what to do, so she grabbed a frying pan and hid behind the door. The man was walking slowly, but once he entered the kitchen, Emma hit him on the head with the frying pan. He fell to the ground, moaning in pain. Emma recognized the sound and realized that it was Andrew. She dropped the pan and leaned over him.
Emma: OMG, Andrew! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?
Andrew: What the heck did you do, Emma? Why did you do that?
Emma: The right question is, why were you sneaking up like a robber? Come on, get up.
Emma helped Andrew to sit on a chair, then went to the fridge to get something cold to put on his head. Andrew held it, and she sat in front of him.
Emma: Is it too painful?
Andrew: What do you think? Who did you think might come, Emma?