Viya's POV
Dorian's eyebrows shot up. "Mother wants—"
"Yes, sir." The woman was practically bouncing on her toes. "She was very clear about it. Said she'd like Dr. Lockwood to eat with the family, not in the study or separately."
Something significant passed across Dorian's face—surprise mixed with what looked like genuine pleasure. He turned to me with a smile that reached his eyes.
"Well then. It seems you've made quite an impression. My mother hasn't invited an outsider to join our family meal in... I honestly can't remember how long it's been."
"I don't want to intrude—" I started automatically, years of being told I was an imposition making the protest instinctive.
"You're not intruding. You're being invited." His tone was gentle but firm. "And trust me, when my mo
