Ricard stood still, his sharp eyes sweeping over Mr. Meller. "Mr. Meller," he said, his deep voice carrying an undeniable command, "wait for me in the private room. I'll be in shortly."
Though Mr. Meller hesitated, he couldn't defy Ricard's words. He glanced at Emma one last time, his eyes filled with regret and desire, as if unwilling to leave. Sensing the situation, Emma gave him a flirtatious smile and playfully winked at him. He seemed entranced, unable to take his eyes off her.
Before turning to leave, Mr. Meller raised his hand, making a small gesture with his fingers, indicating that they would exchange contact information later. It was a suggestive move, and Emma understood its meaning perfectly. She smiled lightly, not hiding the flirtation in her eyes.
But just then, a strong hand grasped her wrist, startling her. Emma quickly turned around, her gaze locking with Ricard's cold eyes. He was closer now, his face showing a clear expression of sternness and suppressed anger.
"Do you know that Mr. Meller has a wife and two children?" Ricard asked, his deep voice heavy with authority, making the atmosphere even more tense.
Instead of showing surprise or remorse, Emma simply smiled, even chuckling as if Ricard's question held no weight for her. "Of course," she replied, her voice light but full of provocation. "But isn't it normal for men to have a few women on the side?"
She finished speaking, deliberately giggling mischievously, her eyes sparkling with playful intent, as if she was purposely trying to provoke Ricard. Her words were not only provocative but also seemed to be a subtle challenge, a way to gauge his reaction.
Ricard kept his grip on Emma's wrist, his eyes reflecting restrained anger. "Is that normal for you?" he asked, his voice now laced with coldness and clear disdain.
Emma, still unfazed, lightly shrugged. "I didn't make the rules, Ricard. I'm just living by the way this world works."
Her response only fueled Ricard's anger. He tightened his grip on her wrist, making Emma feel the strength of his hand. "Do you think you can play games with anyone without facing consequences?" Ricard's voice was firm, his eyes boring into hers as if trying to pierce through the facade she had put up.
Emma maintained her smile, but her eyes had changed, now holding a hint of tension deep within. She knew she was playing a dangerous game, and Ricard was not an easy opponent. But she wasn't one to back down easily. She tilted her head, her lips curling into a seductive smile, but inside, she was preparing for whatever might come next.
"Ricard, I've never been one to follow other people's rules," she said, her voice soft but full of meaning. "And I'm certainly not someone who's easily intimidated."
Ricard looked at her for a long moment, his eyes deepening as if searching for something within her. Finally, he released her wrist but didn't take his eyes off her. "You should be careful with your games, Emma. There are things you won't be able to control."
Emma sensed the seriousness in his words, but she didn't show any sign of worry. "Thanks for the warning, but I don't think that will be necessary," she replied, her voice still calm and provocative.
She adjusted her evening gown, revealing her alluring curves. She knew she had sparked a confrontation that wouldn't be easily resolved, but that was exactly what she wanted. Ricard or Mr. Meller—they would both have to kneel at her feet in the end!
"I'll go see Mr. Meller now. But remember, I won't tolerate anyone trying to interfere with my work," Ricard said as he stepped back, his gaze still vigilant as he looked at Emma.
Emma just smiled, saying nothing more. She watched Ricard's figure as he walked away, feeling a thrill in her heart. She had stepped into a power game that wouldn't be easy to escape from, but that was exactly what she wanted. If fate had given her a second chance, she was determined to make those who wanted her dead perish before her.
On the other side, Ricard's gaze burned like fire, angry and stern, staring straight at Emma. In that moment, everything around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them facing each other. Emma's eyes, even though she was slightly tipsy, still held a mischievous and provocative glint. Her skin flushed pink under the lights, her eyes sparkling like stars reflected on the water's surface. Her soft brown hair cascaded down, accentuating her delicate yet mesmerizing face.
Emma's body leaned slightly forward, the seductive smile still playing on her lips. She took a small step, slightly swaying but gracefully, moving closer to Ricard. The light scent of alcohol mixed with her natural fragrance, making the space between them more suffocating and tense than ever. The evening gown hugged every curve of her body, and her graceful movements made her seem like an enchanting fairy, both alluring and dangerous.
Ricard, though trying to maintain his composure, couldn't help but feel the strong pull of Emma's allure. But instead of being drawn in, he quickly averted his gaze, as if he didn't want to look directly at her anymore. His lips pressed into a thin line, his voice low but full of determination. "You should leave this place immediately," he said, not meeting her eyes. "This place isn't for you."
Emma tilted her head, her sparkling eyes fixed on Ricard, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Why, Ricard? I'm having such a good time," she replied, her voice soft but laced with seduction, making the tension between them even more palpable.
Ricard turned back to look at her, his eyes hardening. "Can't you act decently for once?"
But Emma just laughed, her eyes still playful, showing no signs of worry or fear. She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but it was a game she had chosen. "Are you worried about me, Ricard?" she asked, her full red lips curling into a smirk, as if challenging him.
"I think you're not only flirtatious but also delusional," he finally said, his voice deep and serious. "And that's why you should leave here right now."
Emma merely chuckled, stepping even closer to him, nearly touching him. "But I don't want to leave, Ricard," she said, her voice soft but full of allure. "I want to stay here, with you."
Ricard stared at her for a long moment, sensing the underlying defiance in her words. He knew he couldn't force her, but he also couldn't allow her to continue playing this game. "Emma," he said, his voice more resolute, "Don't make me repeat myself."
But Emma kept smiling as if his words had no effect on her. She stood there, intoxicated and seductive, like a blazing fire.