Andrew tilted his head, his dark eyes settling on her face with a hint of a smile. "Surprised?"

Emily looked away, her gaze drifting to the stage where Benjamin stood with Isabella, their hands entwined. He was pouring champagne, the golden liquid slipping from the bottle and cascading down the stack of glasses.

She kept her voice even. "I almost forgot you and Mr. Gomez are related."

Andrew laughed quietly. "You can forget about him. Just don't forget about me."

Emily watched Benjamin and Isabella open another bottle. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, filling the bottom row of glasses until they were nearly overflowing.

"We just saw each other a few days ago," she said, her tone flat. "I doubt I'd forget that easily."

"Fair point," Andrew said.

Emily glanced down at her phone, choosing not to respond any further.

A moment later, waiters began making their way around the room, handing out glasses of champagne to the guests. One stopped at their row and offered glasses to Emily and Andrew.

Emily swirled the champagne, watching the bubbles rise.

Andrew leaned in and tapped his glass lightly against hers. The soft clink broke the air between them and Emily glanced back at the stage. Benjamin and Isabella smiled at each other, still holding hands, their glasses lifted in a toast.

Andrew's voice came from beside her. "Not happy to see me?"

Emily watched Benjamin and Isabella take a drink, then lifted her own glass. "Why would I be upset?"

She took a sip. The champagne was light and easy to drink, so she took another, letting the taste linger.

Andrew watched her for a moment, then drank from his own glass. "You just seem... off. I wondered if it was because of me."

Emily kept her eyes on the couple, her fingers tapping gently against her glass. "You're reading it wrong."

Andrew looked at her again, his smile soft. "I hope you're right."

Emily checked the time on her phone. Only five minutes left before she was supposed to meet with the police.

It was impossible not to feel that tightness in her chest. So many things had gone wrong with this case already. Every time she thought she had everything under control, something unexpected would happen.

This time, she couldn't afford another surprise. If Isabella slipped away again, she might never get another chance.

Emily drew in a slow breath and let it out, trying to steady herself.

No rushing. She needed to be patient. Things had to go perfectly tonight.

Benjamin and Isabella started making their way over to her row.

Emily lifted her glass and managed a small smile. “Congratulations."

They chatted for a minute, laughter and well wishes passing between the group. Benjamin raised his glass and grinned. "Juliana's done for the night. She's had too much already, so I'll drink for her."

The other guests just laughed, tossing lighthearted jokes about how sweet the couple were together.

Emily's expression stayed neutral, her gaze flicking to Isabella. Andrew stood in front, and Isabella smiled calmly, her face giving nothing away.

Emily lowered her head and finished her drink with Benjamin.

She didn't catch the way Benjamin looked at her empty glass. He hesitated for a second, then moved on with the others.

Emily sank back into her seat, pulled out her phone, and checked her messages. The officer had already texted her a few minutes ago. They were on their way up.