Grandma Blanche leaned closer to Grandpa Harrison with a conspiratorial whisper. "What do you think Ethan ran off to do?"

Grandpa Harrison sipped his tea leisurely. "Probably just craving a cigarette."

"I doubt that." Grandma Blanche smirked slyly. "I bet he went looking for Jenna!"

Grandpa Harrison set down his cup. "If he's that eager, it's a good sign."

"I'll check." Grandma Blanche headed toward the main hall's entrance.

The courtyard stood empty, save for Ethan smoking alone by the flower bed.

Grandma Blanche pursed her lips in disappointment. "That rascal!"

She turned back inside, missing how Ethan's gaze lingered toward the kitchen.

Ethan stood by the flower bed, the ember of his cigarette flickering. Swans glided gracefully across the pond as a white duck suddenly dove in, resurfacing with a small fish in its beak.

He stubbed out the cigarette, his eyes darting between the main hall and the kitchen.

Finally, he strode toward the kitchen.

At the doorway, Ethan paused. Through the glass door, he saw Jenna in her white chef's coat, intently stir-frying a dish.

When Jenna suddenly turned, Ethan quickly ducked behind the wall.

Once her back was to the door again, he peeked out. Watching her busy figure, the corner of his mouth lifted before he turned to leave.

Just as he reached the courtyard, Grace and Benjamin Roscente approached.

Grace, usually dressed in opulence, looked striking in a simple Chanel-style suit.

"Ethan!" Grace called out. "I heard Jenna is the head chef today?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes."

Benjamin looked astonished. "It's really her? When Mom mentioned it yesterday, I thought she was joking."

"She's skilled." Ethan's tone was neutral, but his eyes flicked to an unfamiliar black Audi parked outside.

Grace followed his gaze. "New car. Your grandmother got one too."

Ethan raised a brow. "You went through a lot of trouble to keep it from her."

"I'll go see Jenna in the kitchen." Grace started toward it.

Ethan blocked her path. "She's busy. Don't disturb her."

Grace smiled knowingly. "Fine. Let's head in then."

The three walked toward the banquet hall together. Ethan glanced back one last time at the kitchen, where Jenna's figure was still faintly visible through the glass door.