"That's exactly why Vivian always seemed so distressed whenever Evander followed her around outside," Adeline muttered, crossing her arms. "But he was just doing his job as her personal bodyguard."
"Evander must have been fully aware of what was going on," Gideon deduced, a dark chuckle escaping him. "But he kept his mouth shut because Vivian begged him to hide it from the Alpha King. She really is a fool to endure humiliation from people who wouldn't even dare to look her in the eye under normal circumstances."
"Which is precisely why I told you to step in as her older brother," Adeline asserted, stepping closer to him. "Yes, I know you don't view her as family. But you have to realize that Vivian was merely poisoned by her mother's influence. At her heart, she truly is a gentle, loving soul."
Gideon caught Adeline's hand, his touch unexpectedly tender as he pulled her down onto his lap. His arms wrapped securely around her waist, anchoring her against him.
