Chapter 80

A thin layer of snow had settled over the villa's courtyard, dusting the plants like icing sugar. The stone paths, however, had been meticulously cleared. The sky was gray, heavy with clouds, and the chill in the air mirrored the dark moods of two particular men. Lance, Soren, and Shawn were having lunch on the first floor. Tara stood behind Shawn, quietly attending to him as he ate. Out of the corner of her eye, she finally noticed Lance and Soren's unusually grim expressions. Her heart skipped. She'd almost forgotten—tonight, she'd be delivering their dinners alone. Had she done something to offend them? Besides keeping her distance, she hadn't done anything out of line... right? Clinging to that small hope, she tried to convince herself their foul moods had nothing to do with her. Just then, Soren, who sat opposite her, stood up. His usual charm was gone, his handsome face now stone cold. The moment their eyes nearly met, she looked away in a rush. She knew she was in troubl