"You do. And it scares me." Diane touched her arm. "Whatever's developing between you two, be careful. Your father would—"
"Nothing's developing," Emma interrupted. "We work together. That's all."
Diane clearly didn't believe her but let it drop as donors approached.
The evening progressed with speeches and award presentations. Harold Blackwood and Frederick Stevenson maintained careful distance, acknowledging each other only with tight nods when protocol demanded.
During dinner, Emma found herself seated across from Zoe Stevenson, with Nathan three seats away. Jamie sat between them, creating a careful buffer that still felt like a powder keg.
"Lovely event," Catherine Stevenson said politely. "The children's program seems worthwhile."
"Thank you," Emma replied. "We're expanding to
