Villain Ch 449. He Isn't Trying to Set Me Up, Right?
They enjoyed their breakfast together, an unexpectedly comfortable atmosphere settling among them. Emma, initially skeptical of the gathering, decided to remain silent for the most part, content to observe her father and Allen as they engaged in a deep, open conversation. This moment was unique in its own right, as it was the first time she had ever seen her father converse with someone so openly, discussing not just game-related topics but also diving into personal matters.
She couldn't help but notice the connection that was forming.
They discussed their life outside the game, sharing stories about their backgrounds, their aspirations, and even their likes and dislikes. Allen, who was initially anxious about the meeting, found himself becoming more comfortable as if he were talking with old friends rather than with his potential father.
Emma couldn't help but notice that Jordan had made several subtle attempts to steer the topics of conversation in a way that encouraged Allen and Emma to interact more with each other. At times, he shared fond memories about Emma or highlighted the striking similarities between her and Allen.
Emma's responses to these prompts were genuine, but she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of confusion. This kind of orchestrated interaction between her and her father had never occurred before, leaving her to wonder about the true intentions behind it.
As she sat there, nibbling on her breakfast and listening to her father and Allen chat away, an unsettling thought crossed her mind.
'Wait... Dad isn't trying to set me up with him, right?' Emma's mind raced with uncertainty and anxiety. Panic washed over her as she considered this possibility. She recalled the subtle differences in the way Jordan treated Allen compared to others, and it made her wonder if there was an ulterior motive at play.
She had never been in a situation like this before and found herself unsure of how to navigate it. While she valued her father's opinion, the idea of being set up on a potential date with someone she barely knew was both bewildering and slightly intimidating.
They savored their meal, the conversation flowed smoothly between Jordan and Allen. However, Emma couldn't help but maintain a constant gaze fixed on Allen throughout the breakfast. Her eyes followed his every move, her curiosity and confusion evident in her expression.
Allen, on the other hand, couldn't help but notice Emma's unwavering stare. It was like her gaze was a laser beam, penetrating deep into his thoughts. The intensity of her scrutiny made him nervous, and he found himself wondering about the meaning behind her curious and somewhat perplexed look.
'What's with that stare?' Allen thought to himself, his nerves fluttering as he continued to feel Emma's watchful eyes on him. It was clear that Emma had something on her mind, but she seemed hesitant to voice it.
Allen couldn't help but break the silence that had settled between them. He leaned in slightly and addressed Emma directly. "Emma, what do you want to tell me? Just say it," he urged, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of impatience.
Emma, however, seemed hesitant to open up. She shook her head and replied, "I don't want to say anything." Her gaze remained fixated on Allen, the curiosity still evident in her eyes.
Allen let out an awkward chuckle. "Are you sure? Your stare doesn't say that," he remarked, trying to decipher the meaning behind Emma's intense gaze.
With a sly smile, Emma decided to offer an explanation. "This is my gaze every morning," she quipped. "Moreover, last night I just dreamed of being Sherlock. So I'm still in my persona," she added, attempting to brush off the tension with a touch of humor.
With the brief moment of tension defused, Allen chose not to press Emma any further. "Oh, okay," he replied, his tone lightening.
Meanwhile, Jordan decided it was time to conclude their meeting. "I should go now. I have an appointment with a friend," he announced.
"Sure. Thank you for the breakfast, sir," Allen expressed his gratitude, extending his hand to shake Jordan's.
Then, Allen turned to Emma with a polite smile. "You too, Emma," he said, offering his hand to her. Emma hesitated for a moment, her gaze briefly falling to his outstretched hand. After a pause, she silently took it, acknowledging the gesture before releasing it just as quickly.
After their breakfast meeting, the group began to disperse. Allen and Emma shared a brief ride back to his apartment in one car, while Jordan and Emma headed to the cyber building in another vehicle.
Emma couldn't help but express her frustration as she looked out of the car window, her thoughts still lingering on the peculiar encounter with Allen.
Jordan, who was seated beside her, noticed her discontent and couldn't help but inquire, "What's bothering you?"
With a sigh, Emma turned to face her father. "It's about Allen," she began. "Are you trying to set me up with him? Because I don't want that at all," she declared firmly, her annoyance apparent in her voice.
Jordan furrowed his brow, genuinely surprised by her assumption. "Where did that idea come from?" he asked, puzzled by her reaction.
Emma couldn't help but pout in frustration. "Isn't it obvious?" she retorted, her skepticism evident.
Jordan chuckled at his daughter's candid response. "I never thought of it that way," he admitted, his laughter still lingering.
Emma raised an eyebrow, her disbelief unabated. "Really?" she questioned.
Jordan nodded earnestly. "Yes," he confirmed.
Emma continued to press, her curiosity driving her. "Then why did you invite him? What was the point of that conversation earlier? What's your ulterior motive? If you say, you just want us to befriend; I'm not buying that," she insisted, her tone firm.
Jordan leaned back, considering his words carefully. "Well, I just genuinely believe he's a talented and capable young man," he began. "I admire his fighting style and how he completely immerses himself in his in-game persona," he explained.
Emma remained resolute. "I won't buy that," she repeated firmly.
Jordan maintained his enigmatic smile. "Well, if you don't believe that, then I suppose you'll have to wait for another reason," he replied cryptically.
Emma couldn't help but be intrigued. "What do you mean?" she inquired.
Jordan simply continued to smile, leaving Emma to ponder his mysterious intentions.
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