Alexa's fake smile faltered again, but she held it, barely.
Meanwhile, Zeke's gaze slid toward the last person sitting quietly—Freya.
The moment his eyes landed on her, she flinched. Her small hands fidgeted in her lap, and her head ducked instantly, as if she were trying to make herself invisible.
Zeke raised an eyebrow. "And you?" he asked, his tone calm but his stare sharp enough to slice through her nerves. "Do you also crash gatherings, or did someone drag you here?"
Freya's voice trembled softly. "M-Miss Alexa brought me, sir… I-I didn't mean to intrude."
The change in his tone was subtle but real. His voice softened, losing its edge. "Hm." He studied her for a second longer, then gave a small nod. "You didn't. Relax."
Freya's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the unexpected kindness, and she quickly nodded.
