Chapter 25

• Emerald's father shoved his hands into his pockets, clicked his tongue, and with a hint of amusement, declared, "I assure you, soon it will become interesting."
• Knowing that arguing further would be futile, she offered a reluctant nod in agreement and walked toward the section of the room that she was certain would keep her preoccupied. As she positioned herself beside the long table laden with a variety of delicacies that seemed to have gone unnoticed by everyone else, she felt a wave of longing for her friends to have been able to accompany her. In their company, they would have eagerly indulged in most of the exquisite dishes on display.
• Just as she reached for a chair to sit in, a deep, masculine voice halted her. "Do I know you?" he asked.