The same silent pride she had clung to like armor now felt like it was being chipped away.
She looked at Arthur, silently pleading for him to say something, anything. But his expression didn't change. No flicker of defense. No anger. No warning glares shot at the whispering students.
He simply said, "Quiet down," when the murmuring finally disrupted his focus.
The class instantly shut their mouths. A wave of silence swept over them like a sudden storm. Of course, how could they forget? They were gossiping about his sister, right in front of him.
Ava's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. Finally, she thought. He said something. To her, that was his way of standing up for her. And that was enough, for now.
Chin high, she walked back to her seat with her henchwomen trailing behind her, her steps steady, her pride barely stitched back together.
