“Roman! My boy! You’re finally back in the city!”

Roman stood immediately.

The elderly man pulled him into a brief but firm hug, patting his back warmly. “Uncle,” Roman greeted respectfully. “Theon informed me you wanted to see my bride. We were passing by, so I brought her to meet you.”

He extended his hand toward Evelyn, and she stood and placed her hand in his.

With grace, she bowed slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Uncle.”

The elderly man’s eyes fell on her.

For a brief second, something flickered in his gaze. “Oh my… isn’t this—”

He abruptly stopped, due to Roman's subtle glare. The elderly man cleared...