Chapter 22

The Thorn family was gathered around the breakfast table, the air filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. Ravenna was quietly sipping her tea when a knock echoed through the house.

"I'll get it," the maid called out, her footsteps fading as she headed towards the front door.

Moments later, Emily walked into the kitchen, a brown folder tucked under her arm. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn," she greeted politely before turning to Ravenna. "Miss Thorn, I have the information you requested."

Ravenna's eyes lit up as Emily handed her the file. "Thank you, Emily. I appreciate your promptness."

As Emily turned to leave, Ravenna's father raised an eyebrow. "What's in the file, sweetheart?"

Ravenna's mind raced for a plausible lie. "Oh, it's just some client information. Nothing too exciting."

Her mother frowned, setting down her coffee cup with a soft clink. "Ravenna, dear, this is the breakfast table. Any talk of business should be done elsewhere."

"You're right,