"Wow, Marin, your house is absolutely stunning!"
Penelope suddenly shouted in an exaggerated tone, finally alerting the two in the kitchen to their presence.
A flash of guilt crossed Ellison Jeffries's face, but he quickly covered it with a charming smile and walked out to greet them.
"Honey, you're back." Ellison had flour on his hands, but he still leaned in to wrap an arm around Marin's waist. He then looked at Penelope. "And who is this?"
Before Marin could speak, Penelope jumped in with a bright grin.
"I'm Marin's biggest fan!"
Ellison gave Penelope an assessing look. Perhaps noticing her expensive clothes, he offered a slightly forced, polite welcome. "Welcome to our home. My wife rarely brings friends over."
"Really?" Penelope's eyes sparkled. "It means so much that Marin thinks so highly of me. I'm thrilled!"
Marin held back a laugh. "Ms. Laurier is too kind."
Just then, Lavinia stepped out of the kitchen. She was wearing loungewear and an apron, beaming with the radiant warmth of a hostess welcoming guests—especially since she was carrying a plate of freshly sliced fruit.
"Oh, we have a guest! Please, take a seat."
She set the fruit platter on the coffee table and motioned for Penelope, and even Marin, to sit down.
Marin frowned. She was about to speak when Ellison cut her off.
"Honey, you're in for a treat tonight. Lavinia's cooking is out of this world."
Marin scoffed softly, but before she could get a word out, Lavinia chimed in again.
"Marin, I made all of my signature dishes. You have to eat a lot, okay? Otherwise, all my hard work will be for nothing."
"She shopped for the groceries, prepped the ingredients, and cooked everything herself. She's been working hard all afternoon," Ellison added.



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