Hi everyone again :)

Pertie, Thank you! I am so glad you'r enjoying every chapter :) You'll have to wait some more for the E/Cness though!

Phantomforever, You're welcome, glad to know I calmed your nerves, lol

And now, enjoy chapter 17 ;)

Lovephantom83

Emma's reaction was quick, as she moved away to let him in. 'I hope you bring useful information...'.

'Believe me, you won't regret learning about it'.

The woman accompanied him to the study, waiting for him to drop whatever it was he had come to say. Marie joined them soon in the discussion.

'I saw Christine de Chagny, trying to escape from here, a couple of hours ago. We've been lucky that she had not met me before for...', he locked eyes with them both. 'She is with me'.

Édmond waved his hand before any of her female partners interrupted.

'But...', he continued. 'I'll have her with me until I think advisable. If you'd let me I could obtain all the information you need. This would favour your purposes and mine alike'.

Two sets of eyes flickered between each other, trying to decide what to do. His words sounded so confident and persuasive and it was better to have him as an ally than an enemy.

'All right', Marie nodded. 'On one condition. That you keep us informed of your progress. We can't leave the girl out of sight at any moment'.

'Rest assured. That won't happen again…'. With a corteous nod, he took his leave. 'I'll bring you reports as often as possible in the next days. Now if you'll excuse me, my guest awaits...".

The clicking of the heels of his shoes echoed further and further until no sound reached the study, when he finally abandoned the residence. He had to come back home shortly. The idea that Christine had spent too much time alone in the house without supervision and could have guessed something she shouldn't have made his pace quicken.

Fortunately, his last projects had been successful. Once more his presence had been required. The few alterations that had been planned at Mademoiselle Villete's were going on quite well and she seemed satisfied with the visible results that were gradually showing in the building.

After a very interesting conversation with Jacob and been sparely rewarded for his job, he returned to his apartment. Making sure that Angie had not arrived yet, he left her surprise in a hidden place where she could not find it, at least until the time came according to his plans.