I tidied up the books on the table, saw Andre off, and returned to the study. As it was not yet time for lunch, there was no need to hurry back to my room, so I picked up the book Andre had suggested and started reading it.

I was so engrossed in the book that I did not notice the study door open until I actually heard it. Looking up, I saw Emerald step inside and put the book down. "Do you need something?

Seeing me read a business book, Emerald's previously cold eyes softened a little. She was not going to let the Nixon family fall in my hands,...