The matriarch let out a relieved sigh before speaking to Caroline in a gentle, coaxing tone. "Carol, when are you coming back? It rained yesterday, and I was worried you’d catch another cold, so I brought some nourishing soup for you."

Julian, flipping the contract in front of him, sneered without looking up. "Do you think my household is lacking in soup-makers?"

It was blatantly obvious that the old lady had come by after catching wind of rumors circulating ...