Samuel’s gaze locked onto Meredith. "I’ll stay at a hotel. I just came to check on you."

Nora exhaled in relief. "Oh, good. Did you book one yet? If not, I can—"

"No need," Samuel interrupted sharply. "You two sit. We need to talk."

His tone carried the weight of authority—like some family elder dictating terms—even though he was barely a year older than her.

Meredith caught on immediately. Once seated, he took Nora’s ...