Tori knit her brows together.

There was a lot to unpack with what she was seeing. Even though it seemed that they only caught the tail end of the conversation, it was clear that Fabian, at the very least, suggested that Adrien’s hospitalization wasn’t because a ‘feral woman’ randomly attacked him. Tori didn’t know how much Fabian saw that night at the bookstore, but he should’ve seen enough to conclude what had happened.

Fabian also didn’t seem to have mentioned she was involved. If he mentioned Tori’s name, the argument would’ve taken a different turn, and Tori was sure she’d somehow be blamed. Tori could already see Alessa with tears in her eyes, telling Tori that she ‘misunderstood Adrien’.

Fuck that, I didn’t misunderstand shit.

All that aside, whatever exactly Fabian said did not sit well with Alessa. Alessa was defensive and upset. Tori had never seen her address a love interest in such an angry way before. Wasn’t Fabian Alessa’s friend, too? Or perhaps, Alessa simply had a higher opinion of Adrien. Whatever the reason, it was clear that Alessa valued Adrien a lot and wouldn’t allow one of her other friends to question him. A shame for Fabian.

Tori looked at her friends and reached out to unlock the door. The footman noticed at once and stepped forward to open the door. As the door was opened, the others leaned back and Tori stepped out of the carriage, drawing the attention of the four people standing by Lycée’s gate.

As she stepped on to the curb, she looked up and gave them a curt nod. “Von Dorn. Hart.” She greeted them and stood to the side, waiting for her friends to climb down and for the driver to hand them their overnight bags.

The firm look on Alessa’s face faltered at their sudden appearance, and she took a step back, diverting her eyes, as if embarrassed that they’d seen her so upset. Tori didn’t give her a second look, but the others coming out of the carriage sneered.

“Albert, Your Highness. You bags are with us,” JP said in a calm voice, as if they hadn’t been watching from inside the carriage.

“Oh, thanks!” Albert made his way over, unbothered as he took his bag from the footman. As he slung it over his shoulder, Ilyana offered him some of her potato chips.

“Want some?”

“Sure.” Albert held out his hand and Ilyana shook out a few chips onto his palm. He furrowed his brows as he caught a different scent. “That’s not sea salt, is it?”

“Heh...sour cream and onion. It’s new,” Ilyana said, smug. Tori had suggested she try to have the potato chips flavored and that opened an entire new world for Ilyana and the test chefs at Henrik’s restaurant.

Nearly every weekend they came, they would have a new flavor for Ilyana to try. Ilyana kept track of them and her opinions on each.

“Ooh.” Albert’s eyes widened as he quickly grabbed a piece to try. “You should’ve told us.”

“They only made a sample batch.”

“Thank you, Mr. Novak.” Gideon thanked the driver as he took his bag. Ilyana moved the bag of potato chips towards him, holding out the bag and silently inviting him to take one. Gideon had also developed a liking for potatoes, but it wasn’t something he, even as Soleil’s second prince, could get so easily. Ilyana had a near monopoly on them for ‘testing’. In the next harvest season, there would be more, but even then, Tori estimated that it would only be enough to supply her county. Gideon didn’t hesitate to take a piece. He bit into it, nodding his head, pleased with the crunch, and then frowned. “Are they selling this flavor already? They told me they only had the regular flavor when I bought some today.”

“No, they’re still doing tests.” Ilyana shook her head. “The top three new flavors will make their debut during the Spring Festival.”

Gideon frowned. “Not until the Spring Festival? That’s after my birthday....” He looked at the remaining chip in his hand.

“Your Highness, we can discuss reserving the resort and restaurants,” Henrik said, quickly jumping on an opportunity. “You know, we custom build a menu for large events.”

“All right, let’s not loiter out here. It’s getting late and cold. Let’s go inside,” Tori said. She thanked the drivers and told them to get some rest before ushering her friends through the gates.

She tried not to show she was paying attention to Fabian and Alessa, but kept them in the corner of her eye as she walked past them. Fabian looked at Alessa helplessly, not knowing what to say, but not wanting to apologize.

“Fabian! Try these chips!” Gideon called out to him. “Alessa, do you want to try?” He was likely trying to ease the tension and Tori didn’t interject to stop him. As dense as he was around them due to their awkward and somewhat volatile history, Gideon had a good level of emotional intelligence with others.

Fabian moved closer, appearing hesitant to come near the group, but Ilyana still tilted her bag of potato chips and told him to hold out his hand.

Our Ilyana is so generous. They should be so lucky. Tori didn’t stop her from sharing her chips.

“Wait! Tell him to apologize for slandering Adrien!” Alessa quickened her step to catch up with them as they walked past her.

Tori glanced towards Fabian and saw him lower his head. He almost crushed the remaining chip he was holding. He didn’t respond otherwise, but it seemed that Alessa’s rebuke hurt his feelings. Tori almost wanted to mock him, but at the same time, felt he was a bit pitiful.

It wasn’t as if Fabian was purposely bad-mouthing Adrien. Tori knew that better than anyone else. He had good reason, and he was acting like the knight he was supposed to be and trying to protect Alessa. It was unfortunate that Adrien’s value to Alessa was more than Fabian’s.

“Von Dorn slandered Rosiek?” Tori asked without looking back. She didn’t mean to defend von Dorn, but she really couldn’t miss a chance to reply to Alessa. She smirked. “Maybe it was an accident. I’m sure he didn’t mean to. It’s not his fault.”

Henrik, Sonia, and JP snickered while Ilyana smirked. Albert furrowed his brows. “That sounds a bit familiar.”

“Guevera’s right, Alessa. I’m sure Fabian didn’t mean to. He was just making an observation,” Gideon said. Alessa’s eyes went wide with surprise and Tori wondered if she still expected Gideon to side with her. “He didn’t mean to speak badly of Mr. Rosiek. Maybe you misunderstood him.”

Alessa’s face flushed and she shook her head. “I...I didn’t-”

“It’s all right to make a mistake,” Tori said in a smooth voice. “I’m sure von Dorn understands that you are only worried about your other friend. It isn’t as if such people who harass others don’t exist.”

Alessa frowned. “Adrien did not harass anyone.”

“Were you there?” Tori asked as she glanced over her shoulder. Alessa frowned more so.

“No, but-”

“You didn’t see it, did you? Then how do you know what happened? Because Rosiek told you his account? It’s good for you to trust your friend, but that doesn’t mean everyone else will believe him. Nor does it mean that he was telling you the truth,” Tori said with a shrug. “I’m not trying to say he’s a creepy pervert who should have his limbs cut off. I’m just saying that it’s very possible.”

Alessa’s face reddened. “I know Adrien. He’d never do such a thing.”

“Baroness Hart, you can believe whatever you want, but you weren’t there,” Tori said as she continued walking. “So, the fact of the matter is, you don’t know what really happened. Whether you like it or not, there is a possibility that von Dorn is right.”

Alessa’s brows knit together as she stopped to the side. She looked towards Gideon and Fabian, but Fabian kept his eyes downcast. Gideon looked back from the tail end of the group. He slowed to a stop and gave her a wry smile.

“Alessa, Fabian didn’t mean to insult Mr. Rosiek. Really. Don’t be angry at him,” Gideon told her.

Alessa looked at Fabian, who lowered his head and avoided her gaze. “Adrien didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sure of it!” She turned on her heel and marched off in the direction of her dorm, bypassing the rest of the group.

“Alessa!” Fabian called out, raising his hand to stop her. Gideon put his hand on Fabian’s shoulder and pulled him back.

“She’s upset right now. Give her some time,” Gideon told him. “She’s just worried about Mr. Rosiek.”

Fabian’s shoulders slumped down and he clenched his hands at his sides. As the group reached the split in the walkway, most of them headed to one side while Tori, Ilyana, Gideon, and Fabian turned to go down the path to their dorm.

“How long do you think she’ll be upset?” Tori heard Fabian ask Gideon.

Gideon took a deep breath. “I don’t know. She’s close to Mr. Rosiek. She depends on him a lot and he’s done much to try to support her barony.”

Tori and Ilyana exchanged quiet, judging looks with each other. Tori shook her head. “She still shouldn’t blindly trust him.”

“Guevera,” Gideon said behind her as they got closer to their dorms. He squinted his eyes and tilted his head to the side. “Do you know what happened to Mr. Rosiek?”

“He ran into a table,” Tori replied, nonchalantly. “At a bookstore.””

“How do you know?”

“JP’s always up to date on local gossip,” Tori said with a shrug. “It was probably very embarrassing for Rosiek, so he made up a story about being attacked.”

Gideon wrinkled his brows. “There isn’t anything embarrassing about that. It was an accident.”

“You’d think so,” Tori said with narrowed eyes. Ilyana glanced at her and changed the subject.

“By the way, what are we going to do for Ewan’s birthday?”

“My brother’s birthday is around the same time! Are you throwing them another joint party?” Gideon was successfully distracted, and Tori almost sighed, exasperated at how easy it was to change Gideon’s focus when his brother was involved.

“Ewan has agreed, and Piers also said he would like to return and have his party there,” Tori replied. “We haven’t worked on the details yet, but I’m thinking that since Ewan is inviting a lot of friends from La Garda and the Sword Association, we could do a birthday tabletop game tournament.”

Ilyana perked up. “What’s the prize?”

“A trading card and custom-made figurine of their character, as well as a voucher for food at Duel’s cafe.” Tori wrinkled her nose. “Do you think that’s enough? Should I add more prizes?”

Ilyana nodded, appearing satisfied. “It’s for a birthday party, so I think that’s enough.”

Gideon turned to Fabian. “Have you tried tabletop games yet?”

Fabian furrowed his brows and shook his head to try to refocus. “No..., but I’ve heard people talking about them.”

“I think you’d like it,” Gideon said, confident. “Do you have time in the evening the night after tomorrow?”

Fabian’s eyes were wide, and he nodded, dumbly. “Yes-”

“Great! I’ll come pick you up and you can come with us to Duel....” Gideon trailed off and looked at Tori with wide eyes. His eyes crinkled up and his voice lowered. “Guevera, can Fabian come with the club to Duel?”

Tori had put Fabian on the 403 list. Gideon didn’t know, but it seemed he understood that some people were banned, and had the decency to check with her first. This was satisfactory. “If he goes with the club, I will give him a pass. But only him.”

A relieved smile filled his face. “Thanks, Guevera!” Gideon raised his arm and patted Fabian on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll like it. The club reserves the exhibition room twice a week for our games. Usually, they last about three hours and we’ll be back before curfew. We have set snacks and drinks. If you’re new, someone can teach you.”

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

“He’ll need a character sheet,” Ilyana said as she finished off her potato chips. “The club has spares.”

Gideon nodded, filled with enthusiasm. “We haven’t spent time with each other in a while,” Gideon said, smiling. “I hope you’ll come. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Tori didn’t connect childlike wonder and hope to Gideon, but then again, Fabian was his closest friend for all his life. She was sure he wanted to keep up his friendship with Fabian. Even if Tori were firm in that only Fabian would be given a pass, Gideon really wanted to bring his friend. She wasn’t sure if Fabian would enjoy the activity, but part of her hoped he’d want to spend more time with Gideon than Alessa.

Allowing Fabian into Duel was an investment.

The next day, at dance class, Fabian made her regret her investment the moment he opened his mouth.

“No,” she said in a firm voice as she stretched her leg against a barre. “The invitation was only for you. It’s incredibly rude for you to want to bring along another person when you were the only one invited.”

Fabian stood a few steps behind her awkwardly. “Alessa is going through a difficult time right now-”

“Stop right there, von Dorn,” Tori said as she turned around. She narrowed her eyes as she closed distance between them, making Fabian step back when she got within two steps. “I don’t care how difficult her time is. I do not welcome her in any place that is mine. Not Lions Gate, not Duel, not the delta. The only reason I allowed you a pass was because Prince Gideon asked permission and is excited to share this with you. It is not your place to invite another person, especially one who is unwanted.”

Fabian’s face reddened and he frowned. “Would it be so bad to bring her and let her learn? I heard that your games are very popular for a reason.”

“It would be bad to bring her.” Tori tilted her head to the side and gave him an incredulous look. “Are you forgetting who she is in close contact with?”

His eyes dropped at once. He was quiet and Tori took a step back, raising her chin defiantly. It seemed that Fabian had forgotten about the other party in the face of Alessa Hart.

“I didn’t tell her what happened.”

His voice was surprisingly quiet, and Tori narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“I didn’t tell her I was there and....” Fabian trailed off and his eyes crinkled up. He looked at Tori, as if unsure how to phrase his words. “And that he ran into a table. I swear! I only suggested he might have been aggressive to someone.” He swallowed and took a cautious step back. “Rosiek has always been kind to Alessa. I’ve never heard him speak like that and....”

Tori’s guarded posture relaxed as Fabian looked at a loss. She took a deep breath. She’d seen Alessa’s reaction to Fabian implying that Adrien had harassed a woman. Alessa likely only saw a particular facade of Adrien’s, and if that were all Alessa saw, it was all Fabian would be familiar with as well.

Until the bookstore.

Tori furrowed her brows. “Why were you at that bookstore?” Had he been following her? Had he followed Adrien?

Fabian looked away; his cheeks tinted pink. “The bookstore is the closest one to the imperial palace that sells used books. It has a good selection on knight history and military strategy. The books are affordable-”

“I’m not going to judge you on trying to find books you like,” Tori told him. “Or books you can afford. Frankly, if you find what you’re looking for it doesn’t matter. Tell me, how much did you see?”

Fabian took a deep breath. “I heard him talking to you. I didn’t see anything else until Agafonova and the others arrived.”

Tori narrowed her eyes and looked at him critically. He didn’t look as if he were lying. “If you heard him, why didn’t you come out?”

“I didn’t know what was going on. I heard that sometimes people find isolated spots in private-”

“Okay, never mind. I get it,” Tori said as she lifted a hand up to stop him and rubbed her forehead with her other hand. “So, you heard what he said, but didn’t intervene because you figured it was none of your business.”

Fabian nodded. He met her gaze and opened his mouth. He moved his lips a few times before he shut his eyes. His hands clenched up at his sides. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.”

Tori’s brows shot up. She didn’t expect him to apologize, let alone admit that intervening was something he should’ve done. She squinted, curious. “You knew he was harassing me?”

“You told him to get your hands off you,” Fabian said in a quiet, uncomfortable voice. “I should have come out then.” He took another deep breath and opened his eyes.

Tori squinted and was met with an unexpected thought: was he feeling guilty? Then again, Fabian did spend most of his life training as a knight. If he was exposed to something like at the bookstore, it was very possible that he knew something was wrong, but instead chose to hide. “How did you know that you were supposed to come out? Knight training?”

“Knights on patrol have been taught to look for particular signs of harassment to prevent assault, coercion, and the like. I...I should’ve responded when I heard you.”

“You’re no longer a knight, von Dorn. You are no longer required to act and protect people.” Fabian swallowed hard. He went quiet and Tori continued to stretch. “But it’s good that you paid attention. I’m certain that I wasn’t the first person Rosiek harassed in such a manner. The fact you heard him do it once is enough for you to be suspicious of him,” Tori said. “I don’t blame you for wanting to tell Hart the truth.”

Fabian lifted his head and looked at her, surprised. He blinked and took a step forward. “You think I did the right thing?”

Tori arched her arms. “Why did you tell Hart that Rosiek might’ve been in the hospital because he harassed a woman?”

He knit his brows together. “I knew the truth. I was worried that he might say something to hurt her when she trusts him so much.” He sounded as if it were an obvious answer. Tori looked back at him with a knowing expression.

“So, you were warning her because you’re worried about her? Even knowing that she has such a high opinion of Rosiek?” He nodded his head and Tori looked back ahead of her. “I don’t like you, von Dorn, but I can respect that loyalty. It looks like you still have some after all.”

He gritted his teeth and sent her a glare. “Guevera-”

“You want to protect your friend, even if it’s from another friend.” She continued, ignoring his scowl. “However, as you experienced, it may not be welcomed. You can’t blame her. No one wants to hear bad things about a good friend.”

It made sense, but Fabian wasn’t convinced. “But aren’t his actions reason for concern? He approached you unprovoked and touched you inappropriately. You said that you suspect this wasn’t the first he’d done something like this.”

“I suspect that, but I don’t have proof. All I know is that he harassed me and if I didn’t know how to defend myself, the outcome would’ve been much, much worse.”

Fabian drew his head back as the realization settled in. He shifted uncomfortably in place. His eyes crinkled up and he looked down, ashamed. “I’m sorry.”

“Do better next time,” Tori replied in a cold voice. Her eyes glazed over for a moment. “Can you live with yourself knowing you could’ve stopped an assault, but instead, you just stood there and let it happen right in front of you?” Her hand on the barre tightened. “I can tell you, it’s not a good feeling.”

Fabian lowered his head. “I know I should not have hesitated.”

“Listen, I don’t want this to happen to anyone else, not even Hart,” Tori said as she straightened up and looked back at him. “If you’re worried that Rosiek may do this to her, your warnings won’t do much if she doesn’t believe you. I’d keep an eye on her and Rosiek, limit the time they’re alone if possible, and pay attention to his movements. If he does anything that starts to seem uncomfortable, try to distract him or lead her away. She may be upset with you, but it’s up to you whether you’re willing to risk her anger to keep her from getting hurt.”

He narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be deciding on his words before he spoke. “Do you believe that Mr. Rosiek would do this to Alessa?”

Tori met his gaze and didn’t flinch. “I have no idea what Rosiek will or won’t do. All I know is that I can’t trust him, and that you shouldn’t either.”

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Tori looked at the envelope Henrik placed in front of her, but made no move to touch it. She looked up, over the top of her glass rim, and raised a brow. “Do I have to go?”

Henrik rolled his eyes. “I haven’t told you what it’s for.”

“You don’t look excited,” Tori said. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Therefore, it can’t be good.”

“What’s with the envelope?” Albert asked as he took a seat with an aqua fresca in hand. He furrowed his brows and looked at the pale envelope with the yellow wax seal. Though it was a busy night for Duel with both Lycée’s Tabletop Gaming Club and La Garda’s unofficial Tabletop Gaming Club present, the cafe was empty.

Only Tori was left to drink a small glass of sweet wine as she re-did her Lycée notes for review. Albert had to finish some work for his project and was joining her instead of playing with the rest of the club. JP and Sonia were back to spending their time afterschool practicing for the Spring Three-Day Competition.

Henrik had just come from his parents’ house, as they summoned him. He looked somewhat tired, and his lips were in a straight line.

“It’s from Henrik,” Tori said as she took a sip. Albert looked towards Henrik and paused, then crinkled his eyes.

“Did someone die?”

Henrik shot him a glare. “No one died.”

“But you don’t look happy about it, so it can’t be a good thing.”

Tori raised her brows and lifted her cup towards Henrik with a knowing nod. “Told you.”

He rolled his eyes and took a seat across from her. “My sister is turning sixteen and my parents are throwing her a party.”

Tori gave him a curious look and reached across the table to pick up the envelope. She put down her drink, slid her finger under the wax seal, and lifted the flap. She held up the cardstock and Albert leaned towards her to get a look.

“Annika Jeanne Skuldsen...sixteenth birthday...oh, good, it’s the weekend before Piers and Ewan’s birthday party.” Tori nodded with satisfaction.

Henrik blinked, surprised. “You’re going to go?”

“No, it’s too close to Piers’ and Ewan’s party and there’s a lot to do. I have to prepare an ‘imperial birthday celebration’,” Tori said. She folded the card and placed it on the table. “I will, unfortunately, have to decline.” She gave Henrik a smile and he let out a heavy breath.

“I told them you were busy, but my parents were still hoping you would make it.”

“It’s nice to be invited, but we’re your friends, not Annika’s. The guests should be hers. At best, we’re an understandable afterthought,” Tori said. Albert picked up the invitation and looked it over. He let out a whistle.

“Des Champs? Did they book the entire restaurant?”

“It’s her sixteenth birthday, so it’s an important one. Many of my father’s guild associations and the family’s business partners will be in attendance. Ewan’s family is going since they’re family friends,” Henrik told them. He looked towards Tori. “If you go to the delta that weekend, you’ll make it back by evening for dinner.”

“Yes, but I’ll be exhausted and would still need to change for the formal event,” Tori said. She pursed her lips. “Henrik, is your sister all right with inviting me? She doesn’t know me like she does Ewan and the twins. I don’t think she really pays attention to us.”

Henrik ran a hand down his face and shook his head. “My parents are the ones who want to invite you. Considering that there will be many merchants attending and people with connections to business, it may be worth it to go, especially since people know you’re my friend and acquainted with my family.”

“Henrik, it’s your sister’s birthday not a networking event.”

“It might as well be. Anyone who has any sort of business influence in Horizon will be there.”

Tori paused in the middle of her drink and lowered her glass. “Even the Cowman?”

Henrik’s lips tightened into a thin line. “I don’t have confirmation, but it’s likely. My sister still works at his wine shop. She’s there after school and takes shifts on weekends.”

Tori let out a heavy breath and smacked the table with her hand. She gave her young business partner an annoyed look. “Henrik, are you really inviting me to a party where that bastard will be present?”

“I didn’t invite you. If Annika weren’t my sister, I would decline if I knew he was invited, too. It’s my parents; they insisted. They made me swear to at least give you the invitation,” Henrik replied. He paused and clenched his jaw. “They don’t know about the Cowman running into a table at the bookstore.”

Tori let out a small, indifferent snort. “It’s your sister’s party. She can invite whoever she wants.”

Albert folded the invitation card and put it back on the table. He frowned and looked at Tori with concern. “If there is a chance that he’ll be there, you shouldn’t go.”

“I don’t want to go. And also, I’m not hiding from him,” Tori said in a firm voice. “If anything, he should be hiding from me.”

Albert cracked a small grin, but the glint of concern in his eyes didn’t fade. “Then, are you considering going?”

Tori narrowed her eyes. She took a deep breath and leaned back against her chair; her brows furrowed with thought.

“I have a legitimate reason not to go. If it were just Ewan’s birthday, it wouldn’t be so bad, but Piers requires additional security and the like. I don’t know if his mother wants to come. If she does, that’s more for me to consider.” If the Emperor wanted to come, too, she’d flip a table. It was such a headache to do the security detail for the entire family last time. Her fingers tapped the table in front of her. “At the same time, if the Cowman is there, then I’d like to see who he associates with.”

Henrik raised a brow. “Is that the only reason?”

Tori lifted her eyes and met his. “I’m not going to make him run into another table and cause a scene in front of your parents, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

He shook his head and shrugged, as if saying that if she wanted to, she had his blessing to send Adrien back to the hospital. “I’m not.”

“Well, I wouldn’t. At least, as long as he doesn’t try anything,” she said. Tori pursed her lips. “I’m actually curious. Did your parents invite the Cowman because he is a well-known merchant in Horizon or did your sister invite the owner of the shop where she works? In the first case, your parents are aware that we don’t get along and don’t like him because of the stolen vest designs our first year. In the latter, most people would not invite the owner of the shop where they work unless they were reasonably close with the owner.”

When she said this, Henrik’s face darkened. His eyes narrowed and the air around him tensed. Tori could almost see his mind clicking. If this were before the bookstore incident, Henrik would likely only be annoyed that his sister saw the Cowman in a favorable light and remained suspicious that Annika was a little too interested in Duel and Lions Gate.

Tori knew Henrik had some lingering doubts about his sister’s whereabouts the day their parents’ home was broken into, and his room was trashed. Annika had school and then work in the afternoon, but she would go home to change out of her school uniform and into work appropriate attire.

That day, Annika had told them that she didn’t go home to change, as she was running late. Convenient. As she was Henrik’s sister, Henrik and Tori didn’t pursue the matter. Even if Annika were the one who tore up Henrik’s room looking for their business paperwork, she failed. Henrik hadn’t mentioned where the paperwork was kept, either.

However, after the bookstore, the implication was more sinister. Adrien was a successful, rich man who had plenty of contacts, was popular, and looked good. Tori couldn’t blame Annika for being infatuated with him. No, she could, but she could also understand why Annika would. If the heroine could be sucked into Adrien’s sphere of influence, where did a minor character like Annika stand a chance?

In addition, Annika and Henrik weren’t close at all.

“I’ve heard her talk about how she’s enjoying her job and is learning about running a business, but outside of that, I haven’t heard anything else from her.”

“You and your sister aren’t very close, though,” Albert pointed out. “I hate to say it, but what if she’s working for Cowman to get information from you? It was strange that she wants a job in one of your businesses, isn’t it?”

Henrik let out a low breath and glared at the table. “Ever since my father asked about a job for her, I’ve been suspicious. I don’t want to think that my own sister would be used against me.”

“The Cowman is trusted by many,” Tori replied. “Look at Hart. Von Dorn wanted to warn her about him, but instead she yelled at von Dorn, accused him of slander, and demanded an apology. Von Dorn is her friend, too.”

“Grandma Letty is right; you can’t trust handsome men.” Albert finished off his agua fresca and Tori nodded her head a bit.

Henrik crinkled his eyes and gave them both critical looks. He shook his head. “Then what should I tell my parents?”

“Tell them I can’t make it,” Tori said. “With my sincerest apologies. I have a prior engagement that weekend.”

Henrik nodded. “I’ll let them know.”

“But keep a close eye on your sister and who she associates with. If the Cowman arrives, keep an eye on him, as well. Are JP and Sonia going?”

“Yes.”

“You’ll be busy entertaining guests. Tell JP and Sonia to watch the Cowman,” Tori said. “The more we know about him, the better.”