Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 278

It was already 7:30 PM. Normally, she would have been home by now, but today, she hadn't answered her phone or replied to a single message.

She thought about how late it was and how her mom was home alone, probably waiting for her without having eaten.

Emma's heart ached with worry. Without a second thought, she dialed her mother's number.

The call was answered almost immediately.

"Emma?"

Her mother's slightly worried voice came through the phone. Assuming she had just been busy, her mom continued, "Are you still at work? Why are you so late today? Did you have to work overtime?"

"Um... yeah, I did. A client came in unexpectedly this afternoon. I left my phone charging in the office and got so busy I forgot to check it. I just finished up, Mom," Emma said, softening her voice and trying to sound as normal and cheerful as possible.

"Oh, honey, I figured you were working late!"

On the other end, Karen Hayes's voice was filled with concern. "What's got you working so late? You probably haven't even had dinner. Your company, really... Work is important, but they should at least let you eat!"

"Oh, it was just a last-minute thing. No one saw it coming."

Emma went along with the lie. Then, a thought struck her. "It's so late, have you eaten? You haven't been waiting for me, have you?"

"How could I eat? You weren't home! I can't eat by myself!"

Karen Hayes grumbled, but her tone was full of affection. "Are you leaving the office now? When will you be back? I made braised ribs tonight. I'll keep them warm for you."

"No, don't! You don't have to wait for me."

Emma glanced at the clock on the wall and quickly said, "I think I have another meeting in a bit. You go ahead and eat, don't wait up. I'll just grab something when I get home."

The atmosphere in the small office suddenly felt charged. It was completely silent except for the quiet hum of the heater.

"Ahem... ahem."

Emma started coughing, bending over and looking down, partly from panic, partly from the rush.

"Easy there."

The man at the desk put down his pen and walked over to her.

When Emma looked up again, another cup of warm water was in front of her.

"Drink some water. It'll help."