**Olivia POV

I sat down at the end of the table, Ken propped up in a chair beside me. Joan had tried to usher Ellis near her at the head of the table but he sat firmly beside me, instead. I felt calmer with him here, even if he wasn’t feeling the same level of relaxation I wanted him to.

He had reason to be upset and anxious, but he would have to endure it either way.

The appetizers came first and while everyone was given a lovely array of fish and ...