"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern.
"This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere."
Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied.
"I'm just doing my job...
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***A Dance of Pretense***
Amy Turner usually made it a point to avoid her parents' tedious business gatherings. The stuffy rooms filled with executives and their rehearsed smiles, the mind-numbing conversations about quarterly reports and market shares-it was everything she found dull and insincere.
However, tonight was different. Her father had insisted that she attend, using persuasive arguments she couldn't counter.
Amy's heart pounded as she entered the grand ballroom, her arm entwined with her father's.
Her parents were blissfully unaware of her dual identity as Emily until she spotted Alex Carrington across the room.
"Mom, Dad, you have to help me," she whispered urgently.
"I'm here as Emily, not Amelia. I need you to play along."
Her father's eyes narrowed.
"What are you talking about, Amy? This is absurd!"
"Please, Dad," Amy begged, her voice trembling. "I need this for my investigation. If you don't help me, it's like breaking our deal."
Her mother's eyes softened.
"Amy, this is dangerous. What if someone recognises you?"
"No one will, I promise," Amy insisted, desperation in her voice. "Please, just this once, help me."
After a tense moment, her father sighed. "Alright, but this is the last time."
Amy breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for their support, but her relief was short-lived. Alex was approaching them.
"Mr Turner, Mrs Turner," he greeted, his voice smooth.
Alex's eyes widened as he saw Emily, a look of genuine surprise crossing his face.
"Emily? What a delightful surprise to see you here!"
While maintaining her Emily persona, Amy grinned nervously, her mind working overtime.
"Likewise, Mr Carrington."
Alex's eyebrows shot up at the formal address, and a momentary look of puzzlement flashed across his features. He clearly hadn't expected her to call him 'Mr. Carrington.'
But then, his eyes twinkled, and the corners of his mouth turned up in a knowing smile. He seemed to be more than happy to play along.
"Please, Emily, call me Alex," he said, his voice dancing with a hint of a giggle, clearly enjoying the unexpected twist to their meeting.
Alex reached out, his hand touching her arm lightly as he leaned in as if to kiss her cheek in greeting.
Amy's heart skipped a beat, her body frozen in shock.
