Gwenda, still seated, gazed at their interlocked hands in surprise. A sharp pain, inexplicable and uncomfortable, pierced her heart. "What's wrong?"

Jazlyn glanced at Gwenda, noting her expression. Innocently, she asked, "Do you mind that I brought a friend?"

Karter cleared his throat, attempting to defuse the situation. "Not at all, we welcome your friend. Have a seat, Mr. Petit." He gestured for them to be seated.

Olivier continued to stare at Gwenda. As he started to move toward her, Jazlyn caught his hand. "Sit with me," she said with a smile, pulling him beside her, positioning herself next to Gwenda. The three of them sat together.

A heavy silence fell. Gwenda's brows furrowed slightly, though she forced a smile.

Hattie, who had seen Olivier before, leaned toward Gwenda. "Gwenda, isn't Mr. Petit courting you? Why is he?"

"No idea!" Gwenda interrupted peevishly.

Hattie, sensing Gwenda's anger, clamped her lips shut.

"What are you playing at?" Olivier asked Jazlyn in a low voice, glaring at her.

Jazlyn smiled playfully, offering no explanation. Hooking her arm through his, she leaned close, whispering, "I'm here to help you, on Grandma's orders. Cooperate."

"What do you mean?" Olivier didn't understand.

"Just play along. Leave the rest to me." Jazlyn smiled charmingly, then, with feigned anger, playfully pounded his chest. "Oh, you're so mean!"

Olivier was speechless. The others watched in silence, Gwenda's face darkening with anger.

Karter, sensing the awkwardness, said, "Since everyone's here, let's order." He distributed menus.

Gwenda, distracted and upset, barely looked at hers. Olivier, equally confused by Jazlyn's actions and aware of Gwenda's displeasure, frowned, glancing at her repeatedly.

"Stop looking at her," Jazlyn whispered, sliding the menu toward him. "What will you have?"

Olivier glared at her. "Just order whatever."

"So I can order what I like?"

"Yes," he replied crossly, still trying to figure out how to speak to Gwenda.

Jazlyn raised an eyebrow, pointing at a menu item and then deliberately raising her voice. "Olivier, I love prawns! I'll have these. Will you shell them for me?" Everyone looked at her.

Olivier glared, his eyes conveying his disbelief. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Please?" Jazlyn ignored him, clinging to his arm as if she were a spoiled girlfriend.

Olivier, exasperated, conceded. "Fine, fine, order them."

"You're the best!" Jazlyn smiled.

Nearby, Gwenda trembled, clutching her menu.

Hattie, worried, asked, "Gwenda, are you alright?"

"I'm. Fine!" Gwenda replied through gritted teeth.