As Carlow admired Karina's delicate face, he couldn't help but offer a compliment. "A word to the wise is enough. Truly, Karina, your insights are remarkable," he praised softly, his voice carrying a hint of huskiness that set it apart from Barlow's magnetic tone yet possessed its own mature charm.

Her name from his lips stirred something within Karina, causing an inexplicable flutter in her heart.

She adjusted her coat, clearing her throat before gently rebuffing him. “We're not close. Please, we are not on a first-name basis."

“But didn't we agree at Haleigh's to address each other by name?"

Carlow appeared puzzled.

“and what's my name?" Karina questioned.

"Karina," Carlow replied without hesitation.

Karina couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Did you happen to forget my last name?" she quipped, curious as to why he didn't address her with her last name.

Carlow's gaze held steady as he responded, “Forgetting your last name isn't significant. Remembering who you are is what truly matters."

His tone was playful yet profound, causing Karina to pause momentarily, feeling a sense of déja vu.

It was as if she was conversing with Barlow himself.

Observing the exchange, Rosalynn raised her eyebrows, recognizing a familiar tone and expression in Carlow's demeanor.

"Rosalynn," Brian called out as he got out of his car and walked toward Rosalynn with confident strides.

He wore a sharp, dark suit and a black overcoat hung casually over his left arm.

Under the night sky, he looked tall and imposing, his aura one of cool, distant elegance.

Rosalynn greeted him with a warm smile. “Honey, why are you here?"

Earlier, during dinner, he had texted to ask if she was home. She told him she was having dinner at the Owmale Hotel.

"Just came to pick you up," Brian said as he draped his overcoat over Rosalynn's shoulders.

Rosalynn pulled the coat closer around her. “But I drove myself here."

"Just leave your car," Brian suggested gently.