Flora, donning a smile, chimed in, "Indeed, what a coincidence that you are Mr. Evans’ juniors. How about | treat you to dinner at that nice restaurant nearby? Their food is exquisite!”

As she spoke, she unfurled a delicate folding fan, a sweet fragrance emanating in the air.

Involuntarily, Cecilia declined the invitation.

“Thank you, but | have a headache. I'm afraid | can't join you."

An intricate tension lingered in the air.