Chapter 17: Revelations Over Dinner
(Samantha's POV)
I watched as Hector froze momentarily at my pregnancy announcement, the Seahorse Corkscrew suspended in mid-air. His dark gray eyes widened slightly—the only visible reaction to my unexpected news.
Then, with remarkable composure, he continued uncorking the bottle of Crimson Count Reserve. The cork came free with a soft pop.
"Congratulations," he said, his voice steady as he poured the deep crimson liquid into his glass. "This is wonderful news."
I nodded, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "Thank you. It's... very recent."
Hector set the wine bottle down and reached for a crystal pitcher. "Then spring water for you," he said, filling a matching glass with crystal-clear liquid. "The purest in the Northern Territories."
He raised
