Lily discreetly grimaced at Emily, without Samuel seeing, shaking her head in denial as worries swirled in her mind. She knew she would have to be cautious in Emily's presence, as she never knew for sure what could happen. Samuel nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I'd love to," he replied, stepping towards the counter. "After all, nothing like good food to lift the spirits, right?"

　　Lily exchanged a cautious glance with Samuel, aware of the underlying tension between ...