The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Emma. Olivia’s hand on my shoulder pulled me back. “Breathe.”

I realized I’d been holding my breath, staring at those photos. Photos of what had been one of the most perfect moments of my life, now twisted into something ugly and transactional.

Who would-” My voice came out strange. “Who was following us?”

I don’t know. But fuck them. Olivia’s jaw was set in that stubborn line I recognized. “Anyone who knows you would know this is bullshit. You, going after a sugar daddy? Please. I’d sooner believe I’m actually Queen Elizabeth reincarnated.

Despite everything, I felt my mouth twitch. “That’s… oddly specific.”

I’m serious, Em.” She looked at me with an angry expression. “You know what? We should just put Daniel out there. Let them see exactly who you’re with. I bet half these idiots would shut up real fast. *

I watched her scroll, the comments a blur of judgment and defense. The tide seemed to be turning in my favor-people pointing out the suspicious cropping, the creepy stalker vibes of whoever took these photos, the reaching conclusions about “sugar daddies” based on… what? A

nice coat and a watch?

My journalism training kicked in, cutting through the initial shock.

“Don’t engage,” I said firmly. “Streisand Effect. The more we try to explain, the more attention it gets.”

Olivia looked up, surprised, then nodded slowly. “You’re right. Cold shoulder strategy.”

What about Daniel? Are you going to tell him?”

hesitated, thinking of how exhausted he’d looked on our call last night. He had back-to-back surgeries scheduled for tomorrow.

Tomorrow,” I decided. “When I see him in person. No point ruining his night over something this stupid.

Olivia studied me for a long moment, then pulled me into a quick, fierce hug. “You’re different.”

The old Emma didn’t have Dantel, I thought but didn’t say.

Instead, I squeezed her back. “Come on, I’m buying you late-night Korean fried chicken as a thank you for the heads-up.”

Now you’re speaking my language.”

afternoon, two o’clock.

rything at school-sent Professor Laurent my task, tidied up my dorm room. It was barely past two.

8:53 am PPPP

Chapter 166

Daniel had hospital rounds until five-thirty. He’d promised to pick me up after his shift.

The contract with Sarah’s agency was signed and done. The tri-party agreement would wait until graduation, but Sarah was already treating me like a real team member.

Just days after the Paris forum, she’d sent over materials for a new medical conference interpretation job-dozens of pages of PDF documents that looked far less intimidating than they would have months ago.

I sat in my desk chair, spinning aimlessly, opening and closing the files without really seeing them.

Restless. Eager to go home.

To go home to Daniel.

I checked my phone for what must have been the twentieth time, as if staring at the screen might make the hours pass faster. Finally, unable to sit still any longer, I grabbed my coat and suitcase and headed for Mass General’s surgical wing.

The hospital felt familiar now-the antiseptic smell, the hushed efficiency. I took the elevator up, turned right out of the doors.

Several nurses were clustered around the central station, speaking in low, urgent voices. They fell silent when they saw me, exchanging glances

I couldn’t read.

Down the hall, I could see Daniel’s office.

The door was closed, the frosted glass window blocked by what looked like a white coat hanging on the other side.

What’s going on?

「

I reached his door and knocked twice. No response.

My hand was already reaching for the handle when footsteps rushed up behind me.

“Emma! Wait-don’t go in yet.”

I turned to find Quinn Chen quickly approaching me, his usually cheerful face tight with concern.

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The Forbidden Throb