Chubb Key

Elizabeth's throat went dry as she caught the way Kendrick looked at Zara.

She didn't need an explanation.

This wasn't just an in-law relationship.

A thought crept into her mind, sharp and unwelcome. 'Was my daughter having an affair while she was married?'

She shook it off almost instantly. 'No—not my Zara.'

Still, the scene before her only deepened her suspicions.

Zara was so startled by Kendrick's words that she choked on a mouthful of rice.

"Hey, careful…" Elizabeth reached out just as Kendrick did, their hands brushing as they patted Zara's back.

Kendrick's touch lingered a second longer before he quickly grabbed a glass of water, pressing it toward her lips.

Zara's fingers twitched as she accepted it. Her gaze flickered toward her mother, who was watching everything, unmoving.

'Shit.'

She quickly pulled the glass from Kendrick's grasp, flashing him a look that said, Stop. My mother is watching.