Chapter 17
Summary
- May-May upset about loud construction noise in Valle Feliz and thinks there is something strange or malevolent about new house
- Struan agrees to consult with Feng-shui experts to ensure house is properly protected from malevolent spirits
- Struan busy with preparations for ball and leaves early in morning
- May-May excited about dress she has kept as surprise for ball
- Struan's mother and sister arrive in Valle Feliz, but May-May and Struan's mother do not get along
- Struan's mother unhappy about May-May's presence in house and that she is not Christian
- Struan's sister surprised to see May-May and asks Struan about her, Struan tells her May-May is his concubine and will be treated with respect in his house
- May-May expresses jealousy and anger towards Struan's interaction with Shevaun, accuses Shevaun of trying to entrap Struan, Struan becomes angry and threatens to hit May-May, May-May eventually apologizes and Struan forgives her
- Struan leaves to attend to business and May-May stays behind in their home
- Struan and Robb discussing business in morning
- Ship that has arrived brings news that Maureen Quance, who has been away for six years, is returning to Hong Kong with her family
- Struan and Robb concerned because Maureen's husband Aristteles is hiding in a brothel and they are afraid she will ruin their reputation if she finds out
- Struan tells Robb to find Aristteles and bring him to Thunder Cloud ship to keep him isolated until evening dance
- Struan also tells Robb to send Cuhady to ship to invite Maureen and her family to stay on smaller ship until next day
- Robb worried about boxing match and fight between two groups of Chinese
- Struan says he will handle boxing match and will try to make peace between the two groups of Chinese