A brief moment of silence settled between them. Stephen looked at the paper, then smiled before standing up and straightening his suit.

He placed an invitation card on the table and pushed it toward Jessica.

"If you're so eager to know what business I have with your family, then you should come and see for yourself," he said.

"It's such a shame you're already taken. I love feisty women," he added, eyeing her before walking out of the cafeteria.

Jessica picked up the invitation card and stared at it.

"You’re cordially invited to the masked ball held for Halloween. Sponsored by the Shermans."

She read the words before glancing toward...