ELI Cooper pulled his gaze away with deliberate control. He turned his tall, imposing frame toward me, extending his hand."Forgive me, Hawthorne," Cooper said smoothly, his deep voice rich and steady, masking whatever had just passed across his face. "A momentary distraction. It is an honor to be in your home."I took his hand, gripping it with firm, calculated pressure. "Welcome to the estate, Mr. Cooper."Beside us, Savannah let out a high-pitched, nervous laugh, clutching at her throat as Agatha hurried forward with cloth napkins to sweep up the glass. "Oh, goodness! How utterly clumsy of me," she stammered, forcing a tight smile onto her lips. She tried to laugh it off, but her voice was shaking violently, her chest heaving beneath her silk dress. "I am so sorry, gentlemen. Please, don't let my awkwardness delay us."I frowned slightly, wondering what was wrong with her, but I shrugged it off.Cooper offered her a cool, polite nod that didn't reach his eyes before turning back t
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