Chapter 14

A piercing gaze locked onto her, almost tangible in its intensity.

Lilah instinctively looked up, catching Gabriel’s eyes mid-air.

Only this time, his stare wasn’t laced with its usual disdain.

“Aiden!”

Verity’s shrill voice sliced through the moment, shattering the subtle tension like glass.

She yanked Aiden over, barely giving him time to react. Her voice carried an edge of impatience. “Craft time’s done. Time for language practice. We’re doing French today—how about I read the picture book with you?”

Lilah frowned. That wasn’t part of today’s schedule—Verity clearly threw that in on the spot, banking on her to trip up.

Aiden had been having fun and clearly wasn’t too thrilled, but obediently set his things down.

“Mommy...” he gave Lilah’s hand a reluctant tug.

That small act of clinging to his mother only made Verity’s face tighten even further.

Lilah gently patted his hand, calming him before slowly standing up.

“