Page 76 of Obsessing Over His Favorite

But as she turned to the street, her steps froze midair. Her breath caught in her throat.

Standing in front of her in the soft evening glow was Amelia.

She leaned casually against a sleek black car, arms folded, her gaze sharp with icy disdain. But the moment Emily spotted her, that expression shifted.

A fake smile bloomed across her lips—one that didn’t touch her eyes in the slightest.

Emily’s lips immediately tightened. Her first instinct was to change directions and avoid her, but Amelia moved quickly, closing the gap with a few swift steps.

“So… you’re working here now?” she said, her tone light, but her smile forced and cruel. Her eyes scanned Emily like she was dirt beneath her feet.

Emily shifted her bag on her shoulder, her voice flat. “Move.”

Amelia’s smile widened. “Didn’t think Lucas would let his pet wander too far. Guess things really are over between you two, huh?”

Emily clenched her jaw and looked to the side, trying not to let her irritation show. But Amelia stepped closer, the heels of her shoes clicking menacingly against the pavement.

“What happened, Emily?” Amelia taunted. “Lucas threw you out finally? Or did you just crawl away when you realized you couldn’t compete with me?”

Emily didn’t answer. Her jaw tightened, eyes flicking to the side as she attempted to step around Amelia, shoulders squared, her posture stiff with irritation.

But Amelia mirrored the motion, stepping into her path like a shadow, blocking her with a sharp heel twist. Her lips curved in a too-sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Are you working here as a janitor now? Or… a receptionist, maybe?” she asked, feigning innocence, her voice syrupy with mockery.

Emily’s gaze flicked up. Her eyes narrowed.

“I give lectures,” she said coolly. “On how to spot professional thieves like you.” Then she stepped to the side and brushed past her.

Amelia’s smile cracked. For a second, her composure slipped.

Her brows pulled together sharply, lips flattening with anger. But she recovered, spinning around and cutting Emily off again with two aggressive steps. Her fake sweetness dropped like a curtain.

Her arms crossed, her stance wide. “Are you seriously going to keep chasing Lucas like this?” she spat, eyes burning. “Can’t you stop bothering him already?”

Emily’s hands curled into fists at her sides. She took a deep breath and said flatly, “Right now,you’rebothering me.” With that, she pushed Amelia’s shoulder, shoving past her again.

But Amelia didn’t move an inch. She stood firm, nostrils flaring, glancing to the side just as a sleek black car rolled up to the curb.

Amelia’s eyes caught on it instantly. The cold venom on her face vanished, and in its place bloomed a carefully rehearsed expression of sorrow. She softened her features, dropped her arms, and clasped her hands at her waist like a porcelain doll. Her eyes even shimmered with feigned concern.

“Emily, please,” she whispered with trembling lips. “You have to understand. Lucas is working so hard, but you’re always stressing him out. How can you do that to him? He’s exhausted, and you keep pressuring him. You really should think abouthow you treat him. Be more respectful, more understanding. He deserves that, doesn’t he? Don’t you think you should be… a little more gentle with him?”

Emily turned her head slowly and stared at her, unimpressed.

Before she could respond—

“What the fuck did you just say to her?”

Lucas’s voice tore through the air like thunder.

Chapter 14 I Remember Every Word

Emily and Amelia both turned.

Lucas came storming toward them. His jaw was tight, his entire frame stiff with fury.

“I didn’t—” Emily began.