"Nora, you're back! Samuel..."

Mrs. Bennett immediately waved at Nora, beckoning her to come over as though she were urgently needed.

Nora hesitated, sensing trouble. She didn’t move right away. Just as she was debating how to proceed, Samuel walked over and stopped beside her, his calm yet authoritative gaze sweeping across the room.

When his sleeve brushed against her hand, the accidental touch sent a strange wave of reassurance through her. ...