Chapter 27

When Emma returned to the Dyer residence that evening, the pressure weighing on her had only grown. Stepping through the door, she found Velma bustling around the house. The maids were in the kitchen preparing dinner while Velma stood in front of a mirror as she tried on different outfits. When she saw Emma, Velma's eyes lit up. "Come help me pick out the best outfit." Emma walked over and pointed at one without much thought. "Mom, I'm just bringing him over to meet you. There's no need to go all out." But Velma wasn't convinced. Ever since Emma had come to Steistan, she had barely spoken, and more than once, Velma had caught her crying in the middle of the night. If she hadn't been hurt back home, Velma knew Emma would never have left the country. For years, Emma had followed Frank like a shadow and trailed him every step of the way. She had even joined Castro Group right after graduation without hesitation and worked there for several years. "How could I not take this seriously