Back in Brookesville, Noah sat in his villa. He hung up his phone and was visibly annoyed.

Gwynn was in the dressing room, adjusting her pearl earrings. Her voice was gentle.

"You were so happy to call Lorian just now. Why the long face now? Did he upset you again?"

Noah's anger subsided considerably when he heard Gwynn's voice. He walked into the dressing room and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Then, he leaned his face against her shoulder and sought comfort from her.

"Who else could it be? That brat just mentioned he's interested in his childhood friend. He was out to annoy me!"

Gwynn smiled lightly. She lowered her head and held Noah's hands.

She said, "You said he was young and that it was his time to brave the real world a few years ago. So, you sent him to Silvercrest to gain experience.

"Now that Lorian's career is doing well, you complain that he's not getting married and having a baby. You're being quite hypocritical as his father, Noah.

"You were sleeping aro