Grace hesitated for a moment.

She knew Alexander had come upstairs to ask her to join them only because he needed to give Grandma Sterling a proper explanation. It wasn't out of concern for her—it was just for appearances.

"I still have work to do, so I won't be coming down," she said. Then, with a glance at him, she added, "Don't worry. If Grandma asks, I'll make it clear it was my choice."

Alexander let out a soft chuckle, his deep, unreadable eyes ...