Theo's voice slid across the room like a blade dressed in silk as he turned his head just enough to cast his glare at Joy and Adrian.
"There. You heard him. It's declared. You two can leave now."
His words carried a hint of smug triumph, as though he'd just won a battle no one else knew they were fighting.
Joy's hands curled into fists at her sides. Her voice wavered with anger as she took a step forward, ignoring the two bodyguards who shifted to block her.
"That's not what he wants. He's scared, can't you see that? He's terrified to speak out in front of you. Anyone can see he didn't mean that."
Theo didn't bother to look at her. He lowered his gaze instead to Yu, who was still hunched on the bed, pale and trembling, then reached out and drew Yu against his chest.
Adrian, still pinned by the two guards at the door, struggled against their grip. His voice broke rough, desperate as he called across the room.
"Yu… look at me. Please, look at me."
