Chapter 7
Alexander had convinced himself Emma would eventually call first, but that hope disappeared when Ethan entered his office carrying a project file and said, “Sir, Riverside Grand Hotel wants Hayes Group to attend today’s design presentation because we’re one of their biggest investors.”
Alexander signed the last document without looking up.
“Fine, let’s get it over with.”
Ethan hesitated before adding, “Luna Interior Design Studio is leading the project.”
Alexander finally looked up.
“Luna?”
“They’ve assigned a new lead designer.”
Alexander nodded, still thinking about the mysterious E.C. who had rejected Hayes Group’s offers.
“Let’s go.”
*****
At the hotel, Emma adjusted the sleeve of her cream blazer in front of the conference room mirror, reminding herself that today wasn’t about Alexander Hayes or the past but about proving she deserved to be here.
Olivia walked in carrying presentation boards and smiled.
“You ready?”
Emma smiled back.
“I’ve been ready for three years.”
Olivia laughed.
“I’ll take that as confidence.”
Before Emma could reply, a project assistant rushed in.
“Ms. Carter, Hayes Group just arrived.”
Emma’s fingers tightened around the presentation remote before she slowly exhaled.
“I’m fine.”
Olivia searched her face.
“You don’t have to do this if you’re uncomfortable.”
Emma shook her head.
“I didn’t rebuild my life just to run away again.”
Olivia smiled proudly.
“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
****
Alexander entered the conference room beside Ethan, greeting the hotel owner with a polite handshake before casually glancing toward the front of the room.
“Our lead designer will present today’s concept,” the owner announced.
The conference room door opened.
Emma walked inside carrying a tablet.
She wore a fitted cream blazer over black trousers, her long chestnut hair resting over one shoulder, and the quiet confidence in her posture immediately stole Alexander’s attention.
He forgot to breathe.
She wasn’t waiting for him anymore, she wasn’t searching his face for approval.
She simply looked… complete.
Their eyes met across the room.
Alexander expected awkwardness.
Pain, anything.
Instead, Emma calmly walked to the front, placed her folder on the table, and waited while Olivia introduced her.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet our lead interior designer… Emma Carter.”
Polite applause filled the room.
Alexander remained silent.
Emma smiled professionally before beginning her presentation, and as elegant hotel concepts filled the screen, she explained every detail with warmth and confidence that captivated everyone listening.
The hotel owner nodded repeatedly.
“This is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Another executive added, “Luxury that actually feels welcoming.”
Alexander barely noticed the presentation.
He noticed Emma.
She answered questions effortlessly, laughed naturally with the clients, and spoke about design with a passion he had never seen during their marriage.
Only then did he realize the painful truth.
Emma had never hidden this side of herself.
He had simply never cared enough to notice.
When the presentation ended, the room erupted into applause as executives gathered around Emma to congratulate her, leaving Alexander standing quietly until the crowd finally dispersed.
He took a slow step toward her.
“Emma…”
She met his eyes without hesitation, offered the same polite smile she’d give any client. “It’s nice seeing you again, Mr. Hayes.”
Alexander stared at Emma because the woman standing before him looked exactly the same, yet somehow felt like a complete stranger.
“I didn’t know you were working here,” he finally said, unable to hide the surprise in his voice.
Emma nodded calmly.
“I started recently.”
He frowned.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
A faint smile touched her lips.
“We’re divorced, Alexander, and I don’t think I owe you updates about my life anymore.”
Her words weren’t harsh.
They were simply honest.
Before Alexander could answer, the hotel owner walked over smiling.
“Mr. Hayes, what do you think of Ms. Carter’s design because she solved problems we’ve been struggling with for weeks.”
Alexander finally looked around the room and nodded.
“It’s impressive.”
The owner laughed.
“Impressive? I’d call it brilliant.”
Olivia smiled proudly while another executive stepped forward.
“Ms. Carter, we’d love to have you consult on two more luxury projects.”
Emma answered professionally.
“I’d be happy to discuss the details.”
Alexander listened quietly as one compliment followed another, and every word reminded him that during three years of marriage he had never attended one of Emma’s presentations, never asked to see her portfolio, and never cared enough to understand the career she loved.
One executive laughed as he nudged Alexander’s shoulder.
“You were lucky to marry someone this talented.”
Alexander forced a smile.
“I know.”
Emma lowered her eyes.
“No,” she thought sadly, “you really don’t.”
When the others drifted away, Alexander stepped closer.
“Can we talk?”
“We’re talking now.”
“I meant somewhere private.”
Emma gently shook her head.
“I’m working.”
“It won’t take long.”
She held his gaze before answering quietly.
“I’ve learned that my work deserves the same respect I used to give everyone else.”
Alexander couldn’t find a reply.
Olivia returned with another folder.
“Emma, the clients are waiting.”
“I’ll be right there.”
As Olivia walked away, Alexander looked at Emma again.
“You’ve changed.”
Emma smiled.
“I hope so.”
“I barely recognize you.”
She met his eyes without hesitation.
“That’s because you never really knew me.”
The words landed harder than any accusation.
Just then her phone rang, and a warm smile instantly brightened her face when she saw the caller.
“Hi, Daniel.”
Alexander watched silently as she laughed into the phone.
“I’m almost done… no, I didn’t forget lunch… give me twenty minutes.”
She laughed again before ending the call.
“I should go.”
Alexander hesitated.
“You’re meeting Daniel?”
“Yes.”
“You seem close.”
Emma smiled naturally.
“He’s a good friend.”
For reasons he couldn’t explain, that answer didn’t make him feel any better.
The hotel owner called from across the room.
“Ms. Carter, everyone’s waiting.”
Emma nodded before giving Alexander one final professional smile.
“I hope your project goes well, Mr. Hayes.”
She walked away without looking back, leaving Alexander standing alone until his eyes fell on the presentation folder she had forgotten on the table.
He picked it up, and in the bottom corner, almost hidden beneath the project code, were two familiar initials.
E.C.
Alexander frowned as an uneasy feeling settled inside him.
“Why does that look so familiar?”