Her heart slammed hard against her ribs in that instant.
On the surface, Rose showed almost no change.
The faint curve at the corner of her lips remained, calm and composed, yet her hand hanging by her side had already curled into a tight fist, her nails digging deep into her palm as she fought to suppress the tremor that threatened to climb up her throat.
She could feel a thin layer of cold sweat break across her back, soaking into her blouse and clinging uncomfortably to her skin.
Lifting her gaze, she met Ryan's probing eyes head-on, and when she spoke, her voice was unexpectedly steady.
"I said, I'm a mother too." She paused, as though finding the statement faintly amusing herself, and allowed a slight smile to touch her lips. "A cat mom."
Ryan's steps faltered.
