Chapter Forty Eight

“Mr. Ethan does not like workers meddling with his files, and even I do not touch them,” Mrs. Higgins stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. “I would let this slide, but I will have to inform Mr. Ethan when he arrives,” she concluded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Emma's pulse quickened as she weighed her options. Admitting she had been doing something bad would only give Mrs. Higgins the upper hand and acknowledge her suspicion, and Emma couldn't afford to show weakness, especially with someone watching her every move. “No problem, I have nothing to hide,” she replied with forced confidence, flashing Mrs. Higgins a strained smile before exiting the room.

As Emma stepped into the corridor, she felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. She wiped it away with a trembling hand, trying to quell the rising panic threatening to overwhelm her as she settled into her chair.

Minutes stretched into eternity as Emma waited, her senses on high alert for any sign of Mrs. Higgins' return.