Mrs. Grant's expression changed. "Quentin, you promised me you'd keep her a secret. You're going to go out with her? Isn't that just announcing to the world that you two are together?"
Quentin Grant was speechless. He looked at Nora Ainsworth, his heart aching for her, but he still said, "I understand. You should head back now."
Only then did Mrs. Grant stand up. But before she left, she added, "Know your place and don't take a single step out of line. Otherwise, you won't even have the right to stay by our Quentin's side."
Nora Ainsworth stared at the tabletop, her heart growing numb.
"I'm done eating. I'm going to go change."
Pushing back her chair, she put down her spoon and walked toward the staircase in her slippers.
