Elara slipped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his back. Bernard caught her wrists and tried to pull her hands away, but she only tightened her hold.
Over his shoulder, she motioned toward the others.
Brooklyn and Emma exchanged a look, then quietly left the chamber.
The moment they stepped into the hallway, Brooklyn turned to Emma.
"Are you sure Evan isn't the one blackmailing you?"
Emma shook her head. "Evan wouldn't do that."
Brooklyn narrowed her eyes. "Let's find out."
"How?" Emma asked.
"Call him."
Emma hesitated, then pulled out her device and dialed his number.
The call barely rang before Evan answered.
"Hey." A soft chuckle drifted through the speaker. "I thought you were joking when you said you'd come back. It was only for shopping."
"I want to see you right now," Emma said.
The line went quiet.
"Why?" He finally asked. "I'm still in Milan… are you back already?"
Emma straightened.
