In Alaric's car,
The hum of the engine was a steady undertone to the muted bustle outside. Aveline sat in the passenger seat, one elbow propped lightly on the armrest, her gaze on the road and the view beyond the glass.
He kept his eyes on the road, though every so often he stole a glance at her, catching the slight furrow of her brow as she finished up her calls with her team.
When she finally set her mobile aside, he said quietly, "Sunshine…"
Her head turned toward him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. He had been unbelievably quiet in his father's office, so she could guess what he wanted to ask.
"Why did you let Seraphina Astor off?" His tone was measured.
He wouldn't have cared if Aveline had wanted to remain behind the scenes. But she had gone further, she had told them not to attack the Astors.
Though his father might handle it diplomatically, Alaric couldn't quite accept staying quiet against someone who had so obviously orchestrated the whole situation.
