Charlotte chirped.

"Sure, I'm going now," Lyon said.

"Won't you please stay for dinner? It's so dull to dine alone!" Charlotte attempted once more.

"I'm busy," Lyon said and walked out of the villa without looking back.

It was nearly 9:00 P.M. when Lyon arrived home.

I was in the living room playing with Mason when I heard the door open and looked up. I met Lyon's eyes briefly before turning away quickly.

"You're back? Where were you socializing tonight? Why did it end so early?" I asked.

Lyon paused while he was hanging up his suit jacket and replied with the name of a restaurant nonchalantly.

I raised an...