By the time Rowan reached Cathie, Aunt Anika was already mid-conversation.
“...and I would very much like to understand,” Anika was saying coolly, “why you arrived alone tonight. Jake never mentioned anything to me.”
Cathie stiffened.
Her fingers curled subtly at her side as she searched for words. Julia glanced between them, clearly uncomfortable.
“Aunt Anika, it’s not…”
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
Rowan’s voice cut in… calm, composed, unmistakably confident.
Cathie’s eyes widened as she turned. Julia froze.
Aunt Anika turned slowly, her gaze landing on the man who had stepped beside them. tall, composed, impeccably dressed.
“And you are?” she asked coolly. “And why do you think it’s appropriate to interrupt us?”
Rowan offered a polite nod.
“My apologies for the interruption,” he said
