The moment Madam Yates spotted the man stepping through the door, her temper flared. She scowled, her voice sharp with reproach. "Oh, so you still know your way back?"

Samuel met her indignation with his usual cool demeanor, unruffled by the hostility in her tone. His dark gaze shifted briefly to the woman seated on the sofa. "I'm here to take her home."

Madam Yates bristled, her breath tightening as she shot him another withering glare. With a matronly air, she ...