Back in her room, Emma examined the pendant in her hand.
On the coffee table lay another pendant, strikingly similar at first glance.
But a closer look revealed subtle difference.
"Why does the Musaev family's bodyguard have a pendant so similar to the one George gave me?"
She pondered, unable to make sense of it.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Who is it?" Emma called out.
"Miss Blake, Master Musaev says it's time to prepare for the event. He asks that you get ready to depart."
The maid asked out the door.
"Got it, I'll be right down," she replied.
The South Sea Banquet was her one shot at escaping.
She retrieved a whistle from a hidden compartment in her jewelry box, then moved to the balcony.
Blowing a few short bursts on the whistle, she scanned the clear blue sky, but n
