Chapter 18

The thought of dinner continued to be a pleasant one, until I walked into the room. Normally being on Tomichii's arm was a delight, but then I spotted Bernice. Her eyes were already on me as she sat between two men. Her grin said everything. A cat with all the cream.

And there was one more surprise. Kioshi.

The surly businessman sat near one end of the table, a drink in one hand, listening to the person next to him, another serious-looking Asian man in a well-tailored suit. It was towards this end of the table that Tomichii led me first.

I was introduced to the guests, one by one, each of them bowing as they heard my name. I returned the gesture on hearing theirs and gave a slight bow whenever any of them complimented the painted design I wore. I knew Mhairi should have been getting the credit, but the conversations never allowed me to sing her praises.

It was quickly clear that I was mostly there to listen and look pretty. Eventually, Tomichii had engaged everyone in conversation exce