"Where have you guys been? Why are you back so late?" I asked, my gaze fixed on Elliot Presgrave, my voice edged with irritation as my instincts bristled at his uninvited authority over my space.
He only smiled, calm and unbothered, his presence carrying that quiet dominance that always seemed to settle the air around him. "I brought Jared to dinner, then we went to an arcade nearby. He had a good time," he replied, as if everything had been completely natural and within his control.
"Mommy, it's really fun. I want to go again!" Jared added quickly, his excitement still lingering, his energy bright and unguarded as he looked at me.
"Okay, we can go next time when I'm free. Now it's time to go back, freshen up, and get ready for bed." I kept my tone firm but gentle before turning back to Elliot Presgrave. "President Presgrave, it's late. I won't keep you any longer. You should head back."
