Kaysen was taken aback. He hadn't expected Ethan to reject the idea so bluntly, and in front of Vivian, no less!

His normally cheerful face darkened instantly, and he let his chopsticks fall to the table with a clatter before stealthily kicking Ethan under the table.

"Are you out of your mind?" Kaysen hissed, trying to keep his voice down. "Didn't we agree that you'd treat Vivian as if she were your sister and look out for her? Are you worried about losing face? The gossip, both ...