Chapter 184

Edward Hawthorne’s sudden interruption brought the dinner right on track. He leaned close to Alice Sterling's ear and said, “Come inside with me.” Without waiting for a reply, he casually extended his arm. A silent cue for her to take it. They stepped into the private room together. Inside already were James Grant, Laura Grant, Sophia Grant, and at some point, Charles Bennett had shown up too. Everyone here was someone they knew, which made Alice relax a bit. She quietly took the seat next to Edward. Barely had they just sat down when James raised an eyebrow and teased, “Man, not even trying to keep it lowkey? You’re basically broadcasting to the world that you and Alice Sterling are together.” Edward didn’t respond. Instead, he turned to Sophia with a cold stare. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” "My sister’s been with Laura the whole evening. She didn’t have time to bother you,” James defended her, then glanced at Sophia with a slight frown. Sophia’s eyes darted nervously. Edward’s