, and it wasn't until a servant reminded her

ady darkening, with only

till in her workwear. Even though the former Lilah hadn't b

across from Verity, both

nsils in his small hands. His silent expression was a c

t Aiden's napkin, speaking softly, "Aiden, how's the creamy mushro

nces at Gabriel, a faint pink coloring h

ak, movements smooth and effortl

warmth vibe, making Lilah's sudden

e until she spotted the extra

d calmly placed it right next to Gabriel-directly

isibly thrown b

cond, even the servants opted to stare

riel stopped moving entirely. The tension around him was unmistakable

"You're not seriously suggesting Aiden's biolog

ngles of Gabriel's face, casting a cool sh

y, her eyes still as water-quiet, deep, unreadable. Bu

. Gabriel said nothing-just picked up his utensi

ue, Verity's fake smile nearly cracked. Her finge

what brings you to this side of the

ally think it's your place to ask?" Lilah said casuall

ed like a slap across

er cheeks, but she d

d quickly leaned in to hand it to him

s almost affectionate, like she

stly, Miss Nolan's nanny energy feel

to help..." Verity looked like she'd cry, tur

early shifted away from her, brushing off

own on her l

y did just humiliate m

tc

like she hadn't noticed

n. The little guy had tried a few times to reach it but kept fal

leaned over slightly and nudged

. His big dark eyes we

ed only ever yelled at Verity. Bu

denly appeared in front of him, the

est to look warm and gentle.Aiden ducked his head, poking

of sauce by your mouth. L

, picking up a napkin and

den shrank back a bit, his little

care of himself. You don't need to jump in fo

soft, innocent smile. "I mean, I've always looked after him.

s on his own. Besides, you're not exactly gentle-you didn't noti

ir grip instinctively. Her fa

om his meal, gaze fl

n cheek, expression t

through Gabriel's eyes before his fac

tone, "Let Aiden

a slap across Verity's face,

in her seat, st

around the utensils, a faint

just yo

finally ove

ing nothing more than to get aw

is soft, sweet little face

anity had pushed Gabriel to seve

small hand tugged gently

eyes blinking. "Can I... take t

ashing with surprise. Before she co

hout warning. "You're such a good boy, but your mom's

Aiden wince, his shoulder tensing

face, a rage sparked hot

is to care for the chi

ze fierce, locking on V

company, you-as the nanny-

ent. "Lilah, I get you're upset, but I

oug

old voice cut th

g up, but now he stood with u

o with whoev

said nothing further, but the

nous look and reached a hand

.

bounded ahead, the leas

er pace to keep a s

ipped over something a

owed along out o

ace instantly darkened.

id. The moment Aiden lost his ba

curely before he hit the ground. Her voice rose a notc

ing Aiden, Lilah g

t her delicate, worried face. For a moment, it fel

ough glaring at him, burned with a fierce sort of beauty. And st