Looking a bit flustered, she handed the shopping bag over. "I bought some treats for Circe. Could you please give them to her for me, Ms. Simmons?"

Ms. Simmons took the bag, easily seeing how much Norah Lamont adored the little cat. "Why don't you come inside and sit for a bit?"

"No, that's okay!" Norah shook her head.

Hearing her voice, Circe trotted out of the bedroom, rubbing affectionately against Norah's legs with a happily flicking tail.

A sudden lump formed in Norah's throat. She bent down to stroke Circe's head but resisted the urge to scoop her into her arms. "Be a good girl," she whispered with a soft smile.

With that, she gently nudged Circe away, gave Ms. Simmons a polite smile of farewell, and turned to head back to her own apartment.

"Meow?"

Circe stared after Norah's retreating figure, her feline face a picture of pure, heartbroken confusion.

*

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye. Adrian Chambers, Sara, and a few others gathered at Norah's place for a get-together.

Sara and Khloe had arrived first, setting out a massive spread of garlic butter seafood boils, spicy crawfish, and various appetizers on the dining table.

Just as they finished arranging the dishes, a knock sounded at the door. "I'll get it!" Khloe volunteered eagerly.

She swung the door open, her face lighting up. "Adrian!"

Adrian walked in alongside Julia Cross, one of Norah's colleagues. They were carrying an assortment of liquor and mixers. Adrian immediately scanned the living room. "Where's Norah?"

"She's on a call!" Khloe handed Adrian a pair of house slippers with a bright smile. "Working even after she clocks out. She's turning into a total workaholic. You're working her too hard, Boss. I won't stand for it!"

Sara walked out of the kitchen, glancing toward the entryway without saying a word.

"I wouldn't dare overwork her. I'm just looking to see which blind client is refusing to let my best employee log off for the weekend," Adrian joked, stepping into the living room and nearly colliding with Sara.

Since their disastrous fallout at the 9th Mansion, running into each other was undeniably awkward.

Sara took the high road, greeting him smoothly. "Hey, Adrian."

Adrian gave a curt nod and brushed past her into the living room.

Norah finally wrapped up her work matters and joined everyone for dinner.

Julia beamed, looking around the spacious apartment. "This place is amazing, Norah. We definitely have a permanent spot for our future hangouts now." Norah hooked her arm through Julia's. "You guys are welcome anytime."

They chatted and laughed as they plated the food and popped oper the drinks. Sara looked around the table raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Does anyone else feel like we're missing someone?"

Khloe blinked. "Missing who?"

"Right!" Sara snapped her fingers. "We're missing Norah's neighbor. Let's invite Mr. Hanson over. We all know him anyway!"

Norah's smile faltered. "We don't need to do that. He's really busy. He might not even be home."

"Busy on a Friday night?" Sara challenged. "I'll just call and ask."

Adrian chimed in, his tone icy. "We barely know the guy. There's no reason to drag him into this."

Sara scoffed. "You might not know him, but we do!"

Adrian shot her a dark, resentful glare. "If you're so obsessed with Gonzalez, go chase him in his own

apartment. Don't force the rest of us to play

for your

pathetic to watch."

Sara's stunning features hardened into a cold mask. "You really make it easy to despise you, Adrian."

Adrian paled slightly, his gaze turning venomous.

Sensing the escalating tension, Khloe quickly jumped in to play peacemaker. "Hey, what's going on? Why are we fighting?"

Sara pulled out her phone. "I'm calling him. Someone's temper tantrum isn't going to stop me."

She dialed the number. Standing right next to her, Norah could clearly hear the line ring five times before the man finally picked up.

Sara's face instantly broke into a dazzling smile. "Mr. Hanson, it's

We're having a little dip net

party at Norah's place. Are yourfree

Come over?"