Isabella's expression changed instantly, shutting down the suggestion. "No, you can't."
"Why not?" George's tone was light, but there was a challenge in his eyes. "If Benita and Ms Stranded were welcomed, why can't I be?"
Isabella frowned slightly. "Ms Stranded?"
"Yeah," George said with a teasing tone. "You know, the second loafer who crashed at your place."
"Oh, you mean Dolly?" Isabella blurted out, then caught herself. "And just so you know, she's not a loafer, she's a doctor at one of the top hospitals in the city."
George felt a thrill of triumph wash over him. He had a name and a profession now—Dolly, a doctor.
The missing puzzle pieces were slowly coming together. But before he could savor the moment, a strange sensation buzzed through his mind, causing him to freeze mid-motion as he lifted his glass to his lips.
