Chapter 1734

The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up. Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae. Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind. Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone." Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve." The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot. After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off