From the way I spoke, I probably sounded like a calm, understanding wife.
Ashton's eyes darkened for a brief moment before he finally introduced the man.
His name was Henry Lowell. The owner of this courtyard. A respected heir from a long line of healers, known across J City for his knowledge of rare medicinal arts. The garden we had just walked through was his life's work, built from obsession and care rather than decoration.
The woman beside him was his wife. The child I had seen earlier was their son.
We exchanged simple greetings, but I couldn't relax.
Something in me stayed tight.
I had worked too hard to keep my condition hidden from Ashton. Every step here felt like I was walking on thin ice. If Henry noticed anything… if he said even one wrong thing…
My eyes drifted briefly toward Jared.
Not for comfort.
For strategy.
I needed someone to think faster than I could right now.
