"It's not like that." Deirdre took a deep breath. "If Brendan pushes Emily too far, she'll do anything. And it just so happens that she has something that can ruin Brendan."

"Something that can ruin him?" Sam was confused. "Ms. McKinnon, what is it?"

Deirdre turned to him. "Something that can get Brendan in trouble."

-

Emily came out of the backyard, and the maid who met her was extremely flustered.

"Miss, Mr. Brighthall is here. He said he wants—"

Before the maid could finish her sentence