As they were about to step inside, Roman caught the subtle shift in the guards' expressions.
Their bows had been polite, their tones respectful—but their eyes lingered on Julie.
It wasn't the casual glance of strangers; there was a quiet curiosity in their gaze, as though they were waiting for him to speak.
He understood it instantly.
Seeing her beside him would naturally raise questions.
Roman Thompson rarely came here with company—especially not a woman.
For years, whenever he visited this place, he had arrived alone, his presence brisk and businesslike.
Tonight was different.
The guards' attention on her was expectant, though not unkind.
It was as if they were silently wondering who she was, what her place in his world might be.
Roman's lips curved faintly, not in amusement but in acknowledgment of their unspoken curiosity.
