Chapter 97 - The Grieving Process (1/2)
Halia soon returned to the living room with Emerson's jacket. After she handed it back to him, she went to make him a cup of tea as promised.
But, while she was busy in the kitchen, Emerson placed his hand inside his jacket pocket and revealed a mischievous smile. He then got up from the sofa and started walking around.
By the time Halia returned with his tea, he was seated back in the sofa like nothing had happened.
”So...how's work been?” Halia asked awkwardly.
Emerson smiled. Was she attempting to start a conversation with him?
”It's been good. My father retired last year and handed the entire casino to me,” Emerson replied. ”It was tough at first, but I think I've settled in fine.”
”Is that why you got yourself a new assistant? You finally figured out the kind of help that you needed?” Halia asked.
”Yes, Thomas is a very smart guy,” Emerson replied.
”Isn't he supposed to stay by your side? Where is he now?” Halia questioned.
Emerson laughed and replied, ”He's not a bodyguard; he doesn't have to be with me all the time. Besides, I told him to socialize a little. He's new so he should develop some relationsh.i.p.s on his own.”
Halia squinted her eyes and looked at the man in detail. If he was the one that told Thomas to socialize, was he also the one that told Thomas to speak to her?
”Did you know that I spoke to him earlier?” Halia probed.
”Oh really? What did you talk about?” Emerson asked.
”He invited me to visit your casino,” Halia replied.
”Haha, that guy's too passionate about his job. His meant to be an assistant, not a promoter. Anyway, why do we keep talking about Thomas?” Emerson asked.
”Oh, I was going to check if he was waiting for you downstairs and if he was taking you home,” Halia lied. She had a feeling that Emerson was involved with the entire junket operation and possible money laundering business, but she had to lay off on the questions to avoid suspicion.
Emerson put down his tea cup and looked into the woman's eyes. ”Are you worried about me?” he asked.