"I didn't expect you to return here, let alone to visit my daughter-in-law," Alekis said, his gaze steady as he watched Evelina across the room. He brought a cigar to his mouth, lighting it with a flick before taking a slow drag. Smoke curled around him as he continued, "What's brewing in that mind of yours?"
Evelina's expression was unreadable, but a glint of tension showed in her eyes. "You already know what concerns me, Alekis," she replied, crossing her arms. "You've given Lucius so much freedom that he's become nearly unstoppable. I only wanted to warn Layla, hoping she might steer him clear of any… dangers he's so eager to embrace."
