JEROME POV

Julia’s plate is already cleared, gleaming without remnants of the meal. I always find it charming how quickly she eats, her delightfully full cheeks stuffed with food as she savors each bite. It’s an endearing sight.

“Miguel mentioned your encounter with Vincent,” I say, gauging her reaction.

Her expression changes, and she freezes for a moment, swallowing hard as if the topic has lodged itself in her throat.

“I didn’t want to burden you with my ...