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.