Esme's anxiety mounted with each step she took towards Maya. The intimate gesture Maya had shown Luis, the swirling rumors about her, and the fear that she might try to woo Silas gnawed at her mind. However, she pushed her restlessness deep down and steeled herself for the encounter.
"Hello, Mr. Bass," Esme said with a cordial smile, turning her focus on Luis. "It's good to know that you are the special guest of today's event."
"Indeed," Luis replied, his laughter booming. "The organizer requested me, and I couldn't deny it. How are you? You weren't feeling well the last time I saw you?"
"Oh, that's quite common during pregnancy. I am now used to it," she said with a touch of sarcasm.
Luis chuckled. "Ah, yes, I remember my ex-wife going through the same thing. Silas, you better take good care of her." He playfully tapped Silas on the shoulder.
