Evita's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she gave Michael Helwart a gentle push on the shoulder. “Go on,” she whispered, ushering Linsy into the kitchen with a knowing nudge. “You two should talk.” The door swayed behind them as if stirred by the ghost of her intent.

Linsy, flustered and uncertain, glanced over her shoulder before she stepped into the warmth of the kitchen. The scent of ginger and scallions lingered faintly in the air, grounding her in the ...