Well, that ruled her out. He couldn''t have been talking about her. Growing up, all


    they did was argue. Not interested in his past loves, she picked up her utensils and started eating. Thomas didn''t press the topic either, and they finished their meal in afortable silence.


    As they were leaving, they ran into Emma and Bet in the main dining hall. “Thomas?” Emma said, surprised, her designer sunsses perched on her nose. "Mrs. Moore. Bet," Thomas greeted them with a warm smile.


    Yvonne, standing beside him, stopped as well. Her gaze fell on Emma, who looked as stunning as ever in a flowing bohemian dress and a priceless gem ne. Time hadn''t touched her. Emma, in turn, was subtly studying Yvonne, a girl as fresh and beautiful as a budding flower.


    “Is this your girlfriend?” Emma asked Thomas with a knowing smile.


    "No, just a junior colleague from the industry," he denied, though the look he gave Yvonne was full of affection.


    Yvonne, however, was focused on Emma. "It''s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Moore," she said politely.


    “Hello,” Emma replied with a smile that was pleasant but distant.


    Yvonne then turned to Bet. He was in his military uniform, the olive-green shirt and crisp trousers making him look sharp and imposing. "MThompson," she acknowledged with a nod


    “Mm,” he grunted, his gaze sweeping over her with cool indifference.


    "Are you two here for dinner? Why don''t you join us?” Emma offered.


    "We''ve already eaten, thank you. We were just leaving," Thomas replied. "Alright. We''ll have to catch up properly when you have more time,” Emma said. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they went their separate ways.


    As Yvonne and Thomas headed for the exit, two young children ran past them, chasing each other. Thomas instinctively put an arm out to shield Yvonne.


    From the staircasending, Emma happened to look back and saw the gesture. "That boy," she chuckled. "So protective, yet he still denies she''s his girlfriend. She''s pretty and seems sweet. They look good together."


    Bet nced toward the entrance. "I didn''t notice," he said tly.


    "Honestly, son, you never pay


    attention to anything," Emma sighed, a mix of love and exasperation in her


    voice "Are you this distant with Ynda too? I don''t know how she puts up with you..."


    "Let''s order, shall we? I thought you were hungry," Bet interrupted, taking the


    menu from the waiter. Emma, distracted, dropped the subject.