"Thanks." There was a brief pause. Then Ruby ventured to ask, "So, are you and Effie close?"

Lilah's response was simple, “Yes.”

Ruby chuckled. "It's great that you have close friends like Effie.

Who knows? Maybe someday, I'll have a chance to work with Effie. I'd love to get to know her better."

Lilah grinned. "It's possible you'll become friends."

They chatted amiably for a bit before ending the call. As Lilah turned, she saw Effie emerging, now dressed in a sleek black nightdress. With her damp hair loosely falling around her face, she looked effortlessly beautiful. Lilah was briefly reminded of Gerard; good looks clearly ran in their family.

However, as Effie began to move, her poised demeanor vanished. The doorbell's chime echoed, and she scurried over, calling out, “Hold on, I'll be right there!"

Lilah found herself smiling at the spectacle. Effie's unfiltered authenticity was endearing.

But as the door swung open, Effie's enthusiasm faded. She frowned.

"Oh, it's you?"

Calvin held out a bag. "I brought dinner."

Effie glanced around. "Where's your boss?"

"He didn't come."

Effie's face clouded, and she tugged Calvin's sleeve. “Didn't I tell you Lilah, my future sister-in-law, is here with me? Why isn't he here? Shouldn't he be done with work by now? Did you even give him my message?"

Calvin, though taken aback, still had a patient expression. “I passed your message to Mr. Harris. He asked me to deliver the food."

"What could he possibly be up to?" Effie huffed, clearly unimpressed.

It was like her brother was not even trying to win Lilah over!

"Work," Calvin answered.

Effie's frustration teetered at the edge; yet, she sighed and took the bag of food boxes. “Sometimes, I feel like I'm the only one worried in this family."

Calvin offered a gentle laugh. “Miss Harris, feelings take their own course."

She shook her head. "My brother's so aloof to others. I fear he might let slip someone precious."

Back inside, as the aroma wafted from the food boxes on the table, Lilah's eyes widened. “Did you get takeout?"

Effie beamed, "My brother's idea. He knew you'd be here; sent this over from Horizon Hotel. It's a rare treat in these parts."

Anticipating an appreciative response, Effie was puzzled when Lilah merely said, "He's so considerate of you.”