I have no clue whether what he says is true or not, but I do believe him because he is one of our oldest employees at Annette & Co. I also don’t want to antagonize him. He’s been a huge help to me as I slowly take over the jewelry business.

“You can still come and go when you want, Peter,” I say placating him. “I only request you to inform in advance when you’re visiting.”

“Is there a danger here?” he asks.

“I’m just taking more precautions around the estate, that’s all.”

“Because of the accidents and the shooting?” He cleverly deduces.

“Yes!” I accept and his expression relaxes. “It’s a huge estate, Peter, and you obviously know of some entrances to the property that no one is aware of. I request you to share all that information with Mike to help him secure the place better. I presume you still use the cabin down the lake when you visit.”

“Yes and of course, I’m at your disposal in every way,” he says.

I give him a brief nod. “Now, if you have the time and since we both are here, we can talk business. Mike will discuss more of the security measures on your way out,” I say turning on my laptop that Mike had placed here for me.

Mike leaves the study and Peter and I discuss Annette & Co. business for the next few hours.

When I check my watch next, it’s past seven and dark outside. Peter left a while back and I’ve completely lost track of time since I started working. I stretch my arms across my head when it hits me. Shit! Aaliya! I left her all alone.

Aaliya

THE HUGE CHAIR DWARVES my frame, the words on the screen of my laptop swimming in front of my eyes. I suppress a yawn and look around the beautiful two-storied library. It’s been hours since I closeted myself here. There’s been no sign of Damien ever since he left me abruptly in the music room and now it’s dark outside.

True to his request, Mrs. Wells took me around the rest of the house, explaining much of its history to me. I lost interest in the tour the moment Damien left us, but I didn’t want to be disrespectful to his old housekeeper and so I followed her as she proudly showed me the various rooms and salons. I listened with half an ear to everything she said, my mind too occupied with Damien’s sudden change of mood.