Truth to be told, Alaric did visit the orphanage in the morning and got a glimpse of her. But it was too far. Now, looking at her, meeting her eyes that didn't avert, he knew he had done the right thing by walking away.
He offered her the slightest nod.
A gesture of acknowledgment that carried more weight than any grand gesture could.
And for the first time in a week, Aveline felt her carefully constructed walls shift, not crumbling, but opening just enough to let in a possibility she hadn't dared to consider.
She subtly dipped her head in response. Their meeting was organic. Alaric was invited to the event. He and NexGuard were about to receive unbeatable fame tonight.
'He deserves it,' she thought and focused back.
Her cheeks almost turned pink when they met Charles's teasing gaze. She had walked more than half the hall without looking away from Alaric. She could only hope her brother wouldn't interrogate her when she was yet to understand what she felt for Alaric.
