Mr. Domnic's smile was reassuring. "Denver won't harm you, child. He mistook Valerie for the heartless woman who once betrayed him. She had his heart, only to abandon him."
Grace's eyes welled up with empathy. "Oh, my God, that's so wicked of her." She reached out, as if to comfort Denver, but hesitated.
Valerie's expression softened. "Poor Denver. I can see why he's so protective."
Denver's gaze lingered on Valerie, then shifted to Mr. Domnic, as if seeking confirmation.
Mr. Dominic nodded. "Yes, boy. She's not her..."
Denver snorted, as if to say Mr. Domnic was lying. He glared at the man, a warning to not play with his intelligence, before striding toward Valerie with an air of haughty confidence. His eyes burned with an unnerving intensity.
Valerie retreated, her heart racing.
"B-be still," the butler whispered urgently.
