I forced a small awkward laugh. “No. Not right now.”
Michelle shrugged like she didn’t really care, which was a blessing. I didn’t need her asking follow-up questions. Not with Gareth still standing there like a statue behind me.
He cleared his throat. “It’s getting late. Jasmine should be heading home.”
“Aw, come on,” Michelle groaned. “We were just about to finish the next level!”
“She’ll come back tomorrow,” Gareth said firmly. Then his tone shifted, and his gaze moved to the butler. “Which reminds me, there’s something else we need to settle.”
The butler straightened, looking nervous.
“You reported that Miss Lowett was neglecting her duties and letting Michelle play games all day.” Gareth’s voice was cool but sharp. “You didn’t verify the facts before making that report.”
Butler Jones swallowed hard. “I… I didn’t mean to cause trouble, sir. I was just worried—”
“You were wrong,” Gareth cut in. “And you owe her an apology.”
