Chapter 86

• Emerald tried to muster a small smile, but the stinging in her eyes betrayed her emotions. "I'm sure nothing was stolen, so there's really no need to worry."
• Deep down, she knew she was the target, but she couldn't bring herself to admit it—not to her mother, and certainly not to herself. She wasn't ready to speak about the incident yet, so she kept those thoughts locked away in her mind.
• Her mother shifted in her seat, which made a creaking noise as she angled to get a better view. "What's with the scarf? Are you feeling cold?" she asked, reaching for it. Emerald instinctively pulled back, earning a concerned look from her mother. "Is everything okay, Emerald?"