Gema was worried about talking in front of Brad. He took it well, volunteering to take the boys to the park: ‘But no ice cream!’ the boys’ mother warned.

Emerald knew most of the silk saga, ‘I did some research after you brought in the fabrics. There is no chance they could have come from any of our regular, approved suppliers in China.’

‘What does that mean, Missy Emerald?’

‘I don’t know. Did someone negotiate the bargain of the ...