“Julian, Ashley, this is…” Valerie began, but she almost slipped and called him “Mr. Grant.”

Matthew, sensing her hesitation, smoothly stepped in. “Just call me Matthew. Please come on in.”He moved aside, his expression cool yet not unfriendly, carrying an air of refined grace. Julian’s expression softened a bit at his welcoming gesture. However, Aiden, shy by nature, was intimidated. The unfamiliar setting and the presence of a stranger overwhelmed him. He clung to ...