Chapter 953

Emma quickly snapped her sketchbook shut, cheeks burning with embarrassment as she scrambled to explain. But before she could utter a word, Lucas spoke first, his tone calm and measured. “Jane and Mina will be in your care tonight. I’ll be right next door, by Bryan’s room. If anything comes up, just find me.” He didn’t mention the sketch—and Emma exhaled in relief. “No problem at all. Jane and Mina are like little sisters to me. They’ve been so sweet. Looking after them is the least I can do.” She flashed him a bright, reassuring grin. “Go get some rest. Don’t worry about a thing.” Only after Lucas left did Emma dare reopen her sketchbook. Earlier, she’d only caught a glimpse before slamming it shut in panic. Now, under the safety of silence… The composition was unmistakable: a portrait of Lucas, and *only* Lucas. Not even a hint of a second figure. She smacked her forehead in disbelief. *What was I thinking?* Since when did she draw solo portraits? That wasn’t her thing at all—she was