Chapter 73

• Nelson's gaze lingered on Val for the third time that night, his inquiries about her altered demeanor echoing his return from the company.
• Her unusual calmness mirrored the past when she discovered his history, a time he resented, leaving him curious about her current thoughts.
• As she rose to fetch a drink, Nelson reached out, grasping her hand. "Val, I've been trying to talk to you since I got home. What's bothering you?" he pressed.