"Mmh... Raymond?"
The moment she called his name, Raymond stopped in his tracks. He had been seconds away from leaving for his own business, yet without the slightest hesitation, he abandoned the thought entirely. Turning back, he crossed the room with long, unhurried strides until he stood directly in front of the woman who had, only hours ago, accepted the place beside him.
"Yes?" he asked quietly, his dark eyes settling on hers. "What is it, sweetheart?"
Phoebe drew a slow breath before speaking. "I'll be leaving the estate later today." Her voice remained calm, carefully measured. "I'm not sure whether you'll return before I do, or if your schedule will keep you occupied elsewhere. But I wanted to tell you in advance so you wouldn't worry." She paused briefly before adding, "I'm only meeting someone."
The air shifted almost instantly. Raymond's expression didn't change, but the warmth disappeared from his eyes. "Who are you meeting?"
