The moment was cut through by Harper’s voice, bright but slightly apologetic. “Umm… excuse me, don’t mean to interrupt the family planning moment, but—”
Before she could finish, a new voice suddenly erupted from the phone—deep, masculine, and full of warmth. It carried a teasing edge, the kind that immediately drew everyone’s attention.
“Ane!”
There was a shuffle, the sound of movement, and Harper’s startled laugh as she nearly dropped the phone.
Then the same voice came again, cheerful and unabashed: “Watashi wa anata ga inakute sabishīdesu!” (I miss you so much!)
Across the table, forks paused midair. Dahlia blinked in surprise, Eleanor’s lips parted in faint amusement, and even Charles looked up, eyes glinting with interest.
Ashcroft’s expression turned to stone. His brows drew ti
