Chapter 29

Oliver sat hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed as he reviewed a document. The quiet hum of the office was abruptly shattered by the click of the door opening.

"Right on time, Ms. Collins," he began, “I need a few documents from last year's report"

Oliver looked up, expecting to see Emily. Instead, he was met with the stoic face of his grandmother's secretary—Mr. Owen.

"Mr. Owen? What are you doing here"

The secretary bowed at him for a second before holding up the brown paper bag. "OI was told to bring you your lunch, Mr. Oliver''

Oliver's brows shot up. "Lunch? Where’s Emily?"

"Madam Calliope and Odessa have invited Ms. Emily to join them for lunch."

“What?!” he exclaimed in annoyance. “I knew they would do this”

A jolt of unexpected concern bubbled up to him and a prickle of unease settled in his stomach. His jaw clenched. He knew his mom and grandmother could be too excited and overly welcoming, and the thought of Emily being swept up without any warning left him feeling ann