Brendan clenched his fists. He was strapped with choices. He nodded. “Fine. You have a deal. When is the excursion?”

Emily thought for a moment. “I’ll tell you some other time. My dad just left us, see. We’re all grieving, so there’s no way I’d be in the mood for sightseeing. Still, I’ll make it soon. You can hardly wait too, can you, Mr. Brighthall?”

“You’re right. Please tell me as soon as you’re free.”

He turned on his heels and left without a second thought. Emily looked at his hurriedly vanishing back and the food on the table.

Something glistened in her eyes—a thirst for conquest.

He felt nothing about her. That woman, whoever she was, must be very important to him…

Now she was curious. She paid the bill and hurried home.

Her mother, Madame Collins, was all alone in the living room. Seeing her daughter’s return, she frowned slightly. “Your dad’s only been buried for a few days, young lady! How could you just leave like this? Don’t tell me you’re planning to return overse