As Astrid stepped out of her mansion, she was taken aback by Rowan's presence.
He was leaning against his car, waiting for her. Astrid's gaze shifted to Maren, who avoided eye contact immediately.
"Why are you here?" Astrid darted her gaze back to Rowan as she asked, her tone cautious.
"I came to cheer you up," Rowan replied, pushing off from the car.
He approached Astrid, his eyes scanning her face. "You haven't been looking good, Astrid. You're pale and...well, I thought you could use a break."
Astrid's expression turned skeptical. "Is this why Maren dressed me up like this?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Maren shook her head, "Kind of."
Astrid refused Immediately, "I don't think so. I am not in the mood to have fun when Julian is in the hospital." She turned to head back inside, but Maren caught her arm, holding her back.
"You need to relax, Astrid," Maren urged. "Ma'am Becky knows already and she liked the idea."
