When James Lee noticed Ava and Liam preparing to leave, he tried to stop them warmly.
"Ava hasn't even had a proper meal yet. Stay a bit longer—skip the drinks if you must, but at least let her eat something."
Liam didn't sit.
It wasn't about the alcohol.
The real issue was that Ethan Grant was seated directly across from Ava.
And he kept looking at her.
Over and over.
It was getting on Liam's nerves.
Seeing Liam frozen in place, James stood as well. He placed a firm hand on Liam's shoulder and gently pushed him back into his seat.
Feigning annoyance, he said, "Ava's had a long day. You'd really let her leave on an empty stomach? If you won't care for her, I will—she's my apprentice."
That shut Liam up.
He gave up on the idea of leaving.
But every bite of food after that felt like chewing nails.
Across the room, at the women's table, Deirdre watched the scene unfold with cool interest.
