Anna's POV
The evening at Le Ciel had been surprisingly pleasant, with Samuel and Catherine proving to be excellent dinner companions. As we stepped into the Le Ciel lobby, heading toward the exit, my relaxed mood evaporated instantly. The Simpson family stood near the reception desk-Mary, George, Lucy, and Jack. My stomach tightened, a reflexive response I couldn't quite control.
Catherine, never one to shy away from confrontation, immediately took charge.
"Aunt Mary, Uncle George! Weren't you having dinner with my parents?
Where are they?" Her voice carried that perfect blend of innocence and challenge that only Catherine could master.
Mary's eyes swept over our little group, lingering uncomfortably on me before fixing Catherine with a disapproving stare. "Running around town this late, always surrounded by men. Catherine, I'm not criticizing you, but as a Murphy daughter, you should be more mindful of your reputation."
