I found myself speechless at his overbearing antics.
Nevertheless, Caleb feigned ignorance of my discomfort, grasping my hand tighter.
âHoney, are you okay? You shouldâve called me the moment you knew you were photographed.
â
Andrew observed us, his expression complex.
Embarrassed, I quickly reassured, âItâs nothing serious.
I didnât want to trouble you.
â
Pleased with my response, Caleb expressed his gratitude to Andrew.
âI appreciate how youâve looked after Debra.
Letâs plan a dinner soon.
â
Andrew, however, declined with a shake of his head.
âNo, thanks.
Iâll be returning to the witch clan shortly.
â
Calebâs grin widened as he said, âKnowing youâre too busy for dinner, Iâve brought someone in thanks for your aid to Debra.
â
Andrew and I turned our gaze to the door with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
As Shirley appeared, I was surprised.
I was at a loss for words and looked at Caleb.
Was he really trying to express his gratitude?
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Andrewâs face, filled with discontent, looked as though he might strike Caleb.
Shirley, oblivious to the tension, approached Andrew with a hint of distress in her voice.
âI visited your manor today to find you, but you werenât there.
Why didnât you inform me of your departure?â
Andrewâs expression darkened, his silence a clear refusal to engage.
Undeterred, Shirley pressed on, âI spoke with t
he butler, who mentioned you were at Thorn Edge Pack.
The online rumors piqued my curiosity about the pack and raised concerns for Debra, prompting my visit here.
â
She then added cautiously, âHave I caused any inconvenience?â
Andrew merely shook his head, a gesture of resignation, without a word.
Brightening, Shirley turned to me, her smile warming.
âAnd you? Are you alright? Is there anything the witch clan can assist with? Just say the word, and Iâll do all I can to help!â
Debraâs POV:
Shirleyâs zeal caught me off guard, and I quickly reassured her, âItâs nothing serious.
Weâve got it under control, but thanks for your concern and for making the trip to see me.
â
Shirley, slightly vexed, questioned, âWhy are you always the target? Youâre too kind, and that makes you an easy mark.
If you showed the strength of the Thorn Edge Packâs Luna, nobody would dare cross you.
â
I offered a resigned smile and responded, âWe all have our own ways, but I assure you, Iâm no easy target.
I will stand up for myself.
â
Shirleyâs determination shone through as she said firmly, âYou need to stand your ground and earn respect.
â
Her earnestness made me laugh.
I had never noticed how endearing Shirley could be.