MALIA’S POV

He winked at me, and I felt a warm sense of relief that the momentary crisis had been averted.

"Yay!" Joan cheered, her earlier frustration completely forgotten. "Ella and I are gonna find all the secret rooms!" She wriggled out of Zach's arms, bouncing on her toes in anticipation.

Just then, Claire approached us, her phone stuck to her hair like it had been all day. “Okay, the event planners are finished setting up and the caterers are also ready, shall we all head back to the estate?” She asked.

I smiled at Claire, grateful for her efficiency and for always being one step ahead. "Sounds perfect," I...