Meanwhile, Samuel’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

The name on the screen: Aria.

Eyes sharp as a blade, he glanced toward the not-so-distant duo chatting and laughing, then answered. “What?”

“Mr. Blackwell, that woman who clung to you last night—I’ve already dealt with her. She won’t trouble you again. And those rumors? I had Faye handle them; you don’t need to worry.”

“Oh?” His tone shifted to a mild, almost dangerous ...