Chapter 326: If You Come Back

"You make Rebecca sound like Francis' prized pet," Avery whispers. "If she's a pet, what does that make me—a toy?"

Robert blushes but continues down the hall. Avery reaches out and grabs his elbow, forcing him to stop. With a sigh, he turns around and nods his head in Rebecca's direction—she's several feet in front of them and doesn't seem to realize that they've stopped.

"Go ahead, Rebecca," Avery calls. "I think I dropped an earring, and Robert said he'd help me find it."

"Are you sure you don't want more help, Avery?" Rebecca asks.

"Of course," Avery says. "I wouldn't want to keep Evan waiting."

Rebecca nods, and her slim figure disappears down the hallway. Avery turns to Robert and gives the butler a searching look. She doesn't think he'd lie to her about Francis' wishes, but he's tricked her before.

"What else do you want me to say, Miss Peters?" Robert asks. "You know how Francis Howel is."