Cross Lines

Chapter 20: Altercations

After changing clothes and sending Ryan Ding back, Maggie drove to the hotel. The evening party seemed to have started a while ago. Two groups of people from the sales department were standing at the entrance, all greeting Maggie with insincere smiles. She found their demeanor nauseating but had to endure and respond politely.

Fortunately, Zachary soon arrived and helped her fend off the crowd, though it elicited some laughter. The cold buffet-style event had many attendees chatting in groups. Maggie, dressed modestly, only exchanged a few words with Zachary before heading to the food table.

Starving, she was about to devour a piece of cake when someone approached her. It was Emily Luo, who greeted her with a smile in a simple yet elegant black evening gown.

Maggie pointed to her full cheeks, and Emily Luo laughed, “It’s okay, go ahead and eat.”

Nodding gratefully, Maggie quickly chewed and swallowed. “Sorry, I’m starving.”

“Didn’t you eat all day?”

“Just two buns at lunch. I didn’t want to spoil my performance, so I didn’t eat or drink much.”

Emily Luo nodded, “But it was worth it. The performance was fantastic.”

“Really? Thanks.”

Maggie didn't reveal that her extra effort was for Emily Luo’s sake. Feeling buoyed by Emily's presence, she asked, “Are you here to enjoy the party?”

“Yes, I heard your company’s event was great, so I came to see.”

“And what do you think?”

“I just said it was impressive.”

Before they could continue, Qiqi appeared, her expression grim. Emily’s face also darkened upon seeing Qiqi.

“Maggie, you did well today. I didn’t expect you to dance so well.”

Qiqi’s tone was sharp and sarcastic. Maggie glanced at Emily Luo but said nothing, smiling instead.

“Qiqi, let’s go,” Emily Luo said, sensing the tension. But Qiqi wasn’t having it.

“Planning to go to the Great Barrier Reef with Manager He? The view is lovely. Didn’t expect you to be so open-minded.”

Maggie’s expression changed immediately to one of anger. Her face flushed, and she coldly replied, “Manager Gao, who taught you to make such baseless assumptions? Even if I were going with Manager He, it’s none of your business. Why are you so quick to judge?”

Qiqi was left speechless, her face turning red. Emily Luo was taken aback by the harshness of Qiqi's comment, and Zachary walked over.

“Oh, since it’s the Spring Festival, I can’t go. My mother lives alone, so I need to be with her. I’m just here for fun, not for the prizes.”

He stood beside Maggie, waiting for Qiqi’s response. Maggie, not one to be easily intimidated, dismissed Qiqi with disdain, “Manager Gao, perhaps you’re just projecting your own issues.”

With that, she linked arms with Zachary, nodded to Emily Luo, and walked away.

Qiqi stood still, her face a mix of emotions. The confrontation ended with her embarrassment, while Emily Luo watched, offering only a few cold laughs in response.

Jasmine approached, making Maggie feel a bit awkward. However, Jasmine seemed to ignore the earlier confrontation, focusing instead on Zachary and Maggie.

“Didn’t expect this side of you two...”

Jasmine’s warm tone and genuine smile eased Maggie’s discomfort. “President Gao,” Maggie said, smiling softly.

“Yes, it was a surprise.”

Jasmine turned to Zachary, “Maggie is fine, but I didn’t know you danced so well. It’s quite impressive.”

Zachary, normally reserved, looked somewhat embarrassed and laughed awkwardly, “Please don’t tease me.”

“We’ll celebrate separately another time,” Jasmine said before leaving to mingle.

Maggie declined Zachary’s offer to escort her, wrapping herself in her coat and heading to the parking lot. The area was mostly empty except for some people who had had too much to drink.

As she exited the elevator on the second floor, she overheard a heated argument. Qiqi was shouting at Emily Luo, who appeared to have been pushed, falling against a car’s hood. Maggie hesitated but decided to walk towards them.

“Dr. Luo…”

“I’m fine. Just go home.”

Emily Luo’s curt response stung Maggie, who felt unjustly implicated in the argument.

“I was just concerned…”

“I don’t need your concern!”

Emily Luo’s expression was a mix of irritation and exhaustion. After a brief pause, she looked at Maggie with a troubled gaze before turning to leave.

Maggie stood there, motionless. As Emily Luo walked to the elevator, she stopped and hesitated. Turning back, she said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Her tone had softened, revealing weariness. Maggie, with a wry smile, asked, “Why must it be like this?”

Emily Luo frowned, asking without speaking.

“If you truly loved someone, wouldn’t you avoid hurting them?”

Emily Luo didn’t respond, her expression one of frustration.

“I just… feel a bit sorry for you. I… have some feelings for you.”

Emily Luo’s eyes widened in surprise. After a moment, she replied, “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that. You should go home now.”

With that, Emily Luo entered the elevator and did not return.