Aubrey, recovering quickly, was the first to speak. "Oh, Mason, you're already back." She couldn't hold back her excitement. "I thought you were going to be in Dubai for a bit longer."
Ellen rolled her eyes, unable to stop herself. Of course, Aubrey would know that information. She probably got it from snooping around Mason's office or perhaps from Gerald, who always seemed really eager to share all the little details about Mason. Aubrey always had her ways of knowing things she shouldn't.
Ellen plastered a big smile on her face, the kind that didn't reach her eyes, and took a step forward. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms tightly around Mason, pulling him into a hug. "I'm so happy you came back early." She clung to him, feeling his warmth against her, and couldn't resist glancing over at Aubrey. There was a silent message in her look—a challenge, a reminder that this was something Aubrey could never have.
