Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 117

Emilia squinted playfully at Joyce and reached out to poke her forehead.

"Something's fishy here," Emilia said. "You guys didn't get this from a restaurant, did you? Be honest—did your family hire a new chef? Is this one of their signature home recipes?"

Joyce shot Emilia a glare and covered her forehead, lips pursed in a pout. "Sort of," she muttered. "Anyway, if you want more, just say the word and I'll have him make it for you."

"Deal," Emilia replied, deciding not to press for more details.

The conversation flowed on, the two of them chatting for ages.

Eventually, Emilia noticed Joyce still seemed awkward and hesitant. With a long sigh, she hesitated, then spoke. "Joyce, can I ask you for a favor?"

Joyce nodded instantly. "Of course—what is it?"

"The second live show of Voice of the Divine is coming up soon," Emilia said, fixing her gaze on Joyce. "Will you come watch me perform?"

"Absolutely!" Joyce agreed at once. Even if she had to swap shifts with someone, she'd make sure she was there. "I've been dying to see you live!"

"How is that even a favor?" Joyce protested with a huff.

Emilia reached out and poked her cheek, grinning. "Of course it's a favor. No one else knows I'm actually Emilia. But you do. That makes it special—different."

"And besides," Emilia continued, "I'll need your help again with the sound and video quality for the stream."

Seeing Joyce's eager expression, Emilia realized she needed to plant a seed in her friend's heart—a way to anchor them both.

She didn't want Joyce, her best friend, to keep feeling guilty or walking on eggshells around her. They were equals. Neither of them owed the other anything.

Henry said the same—if only their paths had crossed earlier. For now, Emilia's health forced her to take things slow, but once she recovered, maybe they could create something even more spectacular together.

Meanwhile, at Donovan Entertainment, Christian was busy fending off his two older brothers and simultaneously organizing Emilia's costume for the upcoming concert. The result was, as always, breathtaking.

Vivienne, for her part, had finally quieted down—partly due to exhaustion from her relentless marketing efforts, which had actually led to her fainting and needing rest. And then there was the matter of her frequent visits to The Erickson Building, always with Tyler by her side. The two were practically inseparable these days, and the tabloids had noticed, sending them trending more than once.

As for Parker, she was still giving Tyler the cold shoulder, refusing to speak to him at all.

And so, life continued in this uneasy balance.

Soon enough, day thirteen of the "cooling-off" period arrived—the day of the second live broadcast of Voice of the Divine.