Without hesitation, I stood. "Sure. Just have someone open the gate for me. I'd love to leave, but I have a feeling certain people won't actually let me go."

Emerald sneered, "Well! I'll have the service staff open the gate for you. Let's see how far you get without money or a phone."

"That's none of your concern." With that, I turned and walked toward the entrance of the estate.

Brian's expression changed. He leaned toward Emerald and whispered, "Mom, the invitations have already been sent. If she doesn't show up tomorrow, the banquet won't happen." Besides, people both inside and outside the Nixons already knew about me. They couldn't...