Behind them, the others showed a quiet awareness of the situation. Not a word was spoken, yet they instinctively took a few steps back, creating a respectful distance. The subtle retreat granted the trio a small pocket of privacy, enough for the conversation to unfold without interruption, as though the space itself understood the weight of what was being said.
Hearing Aunt Lavinia's explanation, Gideon arched a brow, the tension in his expression easing as the flare of irritation within him gradually subsided. His presence, once edged with restrained anger, settled back into its usual calm, controlled stillness.
"You have amnesia?" he asked, his gaze shifting to Ashley, sharp and searching as though he could peel back every layer of her expression to uncover the truth beneath.
But Ashley did not panic.
