He sat by her bedside, his tone still somewhat cold, but his facial expression was becoming softer. "My bird acts high and mighty in front of me, but gets bullied by others. Don't you think I should be angry?"
He looked at the young girl before him, reaching out to gently stroke her head, his gaze deep and focused, like an undercurrent stirring.
He knew what the young girl had experienced before, and her heart might be more sensitive than anyone else's.
He was not George River, he would not waste any effort on people he didn't like, nor would he play boring contract games.
Since he had promised to be her patron, he was serious about it.
He would protect her, not toy with her.
Hannah sniffled, seeming about to cry again, and then lunged straight into the man's arms.
She held him tightly, nestling her entire being into the man's embrace, like a small animal seeking comfort.
