Alexander Knight was still staring at her. Coldly. As if her existence alone disturbed the air he breathed.
Evelyn's fingers tightened unconsciously around Axel's hand.
Axel immediately noticed, his eyes flicking to her pale knuckles.
He turned back toward his grandfather and Uncle Erick. "Thank you, Uncle..." he said sincerely. "I appreciate your acceptance." His voice held a calm confidence, but the protective edge beneath it was unmistakable.
Then Axel looked straight at his father.
"Father," he began in a calm tone, but his eyes showed his anger, "I am not asking for your approval. But I will not let you hurt my wife's feelings."
Evelyn's breath caught.
Alexander frowned, staring at Axel.
"I hope," Axel continued, his gaze never wavering, "...you will not say anything that will harm her again."
The room froze.
Alexander stiffened, his lips pressing into a hard line, clearly displeased but unable to retaliate under the watchful eyes of his own father.
