The moment Dames spotted Leo, he shrank into Gemma’s arms like a mouse scurrying from a cat.
Startled, Gemma glanced back and nearly jumped herself.
Clutching Dames tightly, she instinctively put on her warmest smile for her brilliant, intimidating brother-in-law.
“Leo, when did you get here? You didn’t make a sound,” she said, forcing a nervous laugh. Her mind raced—had he overheard her venting about Leo and Altair just moments ago?
Dames buried his head against Gemma’s arm, peeking out to see Altair standing silently beside Leo. Dames blurted out, “You’re still alive?!”
Altair stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, his face calm but distant. He didn’t spare Dames a glance, just stared at the solemn memorial for the Vaughn family ancestors.
The chapel was dimly lit, and as Dames looked Altair up and down, he couldn’t detect any injuries. Given that Altair had been through the fire yesterday but still showed up here with Leo, he must’ve made it out unscathed.
“Where’s my mom?” Dames asked, his voice small.
“Was it my mom who carried you out of the hall?” he demanded, glowering at Altair. “She’s my mom, not yours!”
When Altair continued to ignore him, Dames grew even more frustrated.
“Hey! I’m talking to you, Altair!”
Altair simply raised a finger to his lips, silently reminding Dames that this was a place for quiet.
Dames understood but puffed out his cheeks in protest. “You’re just some kid they picked up off the street! The Vaughn ancestors aren’t yours!”
Gemma quickly pressed her hand over Dames’s mouth. As much as she agreed with him—she’d whispered the same thing to Dames in private—saying it in front of Leo was asking for trouble.
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