He tilted his head slightly, studying her face.
“You and Mrs Specter… are you identical twins?”
The question struck sharper than expected.
For a heartbeat, she frowned at the unexpected and out of context question.
He noticed.
Of course he noticed.
Thomas straightened slightly, expression smoothing into polite neutrality.
“My apologies,” he said gently. “Curiosity, nothing more.”
She held his gaze.
“Why the curiosity?”
He smiled faintly — disarming, controlled.
“No one has truly seen her yet,” he explained. “The enigmatic Mrs. Specter who married the most sought-after bachelor in the city.”
A subtle pause.
“I wondered what kind of family produces such unexpected outcomes.”
Lana crossed her arms slowly, considering him.
“You’re very direct.”
“I find efficiency respectful.”
