Lana Cheney smiled knowingly and called into the house, "Master Nathan, Vera is here!"
Nathaniel Nathan wasn't home, and Vera Xavier felt an inexplicable pang of disappointment. Master Nathan came downstairs happily upon hearing Lana Cheney's call, giving her no time to dwell on that fleeting emotion before it vanished without a trace.
She smiled and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Nathan."
Master Nathan pursed his lips. "Even if Nathaniel isn't home, you don't have to force a smile like that. It's too strained!"
Vera Xavier: "..."
'I've always thought I was good at hiding my feelings. Was I really that obvious? Besides, it's not like I wanted to see Nathaniel Nathan anyway!'
The moment she met Master Nathan's smiling face, she realized the old man had just been teasing her. She cleared her throat and said, "I'm not here to see Nathaniel Nathan. I was just passing by and remembered I promised to play another game of chess with you, so I came in!"
