Jill appeared torn, as though wrestling with how to voice her next question. Rowan broke the silence. "Ms. Noah, please don't hesitate to speak your mind."
Her shoulders relaxed at his encouragement before she ventured, "Do you and Sallie have romantic intentions toward each other?"
The question caught Rowan off guard, surprise flickering across his features.
Jill's eyes widened with feigned innocence as she elaborated, "Sallie mentioned once that when men and women share meals, it's where romantic tension begins. That's exactly how things started between her and Lionel."
Zora's gaze snapped to her daughter, anger flashing in her eyes—though clearly not directed at Jill.
'A simple meal equals romantic involvement? What kind of vulgar, low-minded thinking is that?' Zora's thoughts churned with disgust.
Rowan studied Jill briefly before taking her bait. "Lionel?"
"Yes, from the Howard family—they just secured that new partnership with the Noahs," Jill confirmed with a nod.
