We chatted more, but the candid feel of the conversation had changed, and we moved on to less personal topics. It seemed barely two minutes later when Angela charged into the room without so much as a knock, her eyes bright with anticipation. I had just settled into a deep leather chair beside the bed, and Daiyu was perched on the bed’s edge again. Angela took in the scene, and she seemed disappointed we weren’t caught in a more compromising position.

“Hullo,” Daiyu said in English.

“Oh,” Angela replied.

“Were you hoping to join us for something other than conversation, Ange?” Daiyu asked with a wicked grin.

I laughed while Angela feigned innocence. Joseph appeared in the doorway, and I cleared my throat. Meiwen sidled past him, a vibrancy of color and swaying hips. “Don’t just stand there like some oaf.” She humphed.

I bit back a smile.

She patted the soft silver waves of her hair. “We lost Helen and Yongming on the way. They’re making out in the garden.”

“I see,” Daiyu replied.

“I’ve never been in your bedroom before,” Meiwen declared, heading straight into the bathroom. “Ooooh, look at this bathtub,” her words echoed to us. “You can fit six people into this shower—don’t get any ideas, Ange!”

Daiyu chuckled and Joseph shook his head.

“Only luxurious baths for me,” Angela called back. She sat beside Daiyu on her bed and took her hand. “Since you’re not doing anything,” she said pointedly, “let’s go back to the party.”

I wondered whose idea it was to follow us: Joseph’s or Angela’s. A message appeared on my Vox from Lingyi: We’re good.

Thank gods, she’d gotten access into Daiyu’s Palm. Guilt prickled my conscience, momentary but cutting; I pushed it aside. This would never work if I second-guessed myself.

“I did put Jason’s flowers in a vase,” Daiyu said.

I stood, adjusting my tuxedo jacket. “I don’t want to keep you from your gala, Daiyu.”

“But I never gave you the tour.” She slipped her heels back on.

“It’s a big house,” I replied. “Tonight probably wasn’t the best time.”

“Another day, then.” She graced me with a small smile that only I could see.

My stomach suddenly felt hollow.

Angela pulled her friend to her feet. “I’m ready to bid everyone up on the charity auction!”

Meiwen rejoined us, the train of her pink dress sweeping behind her, and left the room with the girls. Only Joseph and I remained in Daiyu’s bedroom. His stance tensed as I made for the door.

“Stay away from Daiyu,” he said in a low voice.

I paused so we were near shoulder to shoulder. “She’s the one who keeps showing up at my doorstep and inviting me to parties.” There was no need to sound conceited or threatening, because the truth was enough.

He flinched, and I left the room.