As dusk fell, Gilbert returned to the Watson estate.
"Gilbert," Emma greeted him the moment he stepped in, her face lit with a sweet, obedient smile.
Gilbert's sharp brows knit together as his gaze darkened, though he quickly masked it with calm indifference.
"Emma, you're here to see Linda?" he asked casually, his eyes already drifting toward the kitchen.
Inside, Claire was busy cooking. He walked straight past Emma and headed toward her.
Emma was left standing awkwardly behind.
"Claire, I heard you've been working hard these past few days," Gilbert said as he approached, placing one hand on her waist and using the other to steal a bite of freshly cooked food from a nearby plate. Chewing slowly, he gave her a teasing smile.
"I didn't make that for you. Go wash your hands, you're not the only one eating," Claire scolded lightly, batting his hand away.
"All right, I'll wash them right now."
