"She's not my house help. She's actually Sandra's best friend." Mr. Vincent said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.

"Sandra's best friend?" Kelly asked, her eyes narrowing as she searched his face for any sign of a lie. "But I was told she followed you home. I'm sure she's somewhere in this house right now." She said, and Mr. Vincent wondered how she knew. He felt a cold sweat prickle his skin, realizing that people at the gala must have been gossiping and reporting back to her. Only if she knew that Emily was right there with them in the room.

"Yes,...