“I understand. Mrs. Lockridge was thanking me, and as a courtesy, I gave her a friendly reminder. Is there a problem with that, Mr. Lockridge?”

Noelle smiled, her expression calm and polite, though the truth behind it remained hidden. She was like a smiling tiger, concealing her sharp claws beneath a mask of civility.

Callum let out a cold snort. “My people are not yours to criticize.”

“Then please, Mr. Lockridge, take Mrs. Lockridge and ...