she had fully removed her coat.
“The bus broke down near the station. I’m so sorry.”
Mrs. Dalton waved the apology away.
Adrian was waiting in the hallway.
Marissa saw him.
Her expression changed.
She knew.
Not everything.
But enough.
“Could we speak privately?” Adrian asked.
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
They went into the morning room.
Adrian closed the door but remained beside it, giving her space.
“I owe you an apology.”
Marissa looked surprised.
“I followed you yesterday.”
She stared at him.
“I shouldn’t have.”
“No.”
“You’re right.”
Adrian did not defend himself.
“I originally told myself I was trying to find a way to leave you some help without embarrassing you.”
Marissa’s cheeks reddened.
He continued before she had to respond.
“I overheard part of your phone call to your mother yesterday morning.”
Her eyes dropped.
“I’m sorry.”
The silence was painful.
Adrian kept his voice quiet.
“I
