ngertips were about to graze L

gently pulled his sister back a half-step, placing

ut firm, with a chilling adult forma

led by his fierce protectiveness and the authority in his tone. She s

as just... your sister is very lovely. Let m

urned to the server. "Three scoops, wha

shriek. "Grandma! I want one

r. "Fine," she said to the server, her

rous fury. She and her daughter fel

nes to the Turner children. Lily ac

the tiny pocket of his jeans. He pulled

it out t

strangers," he said, his expression com

ce. A profound shock rippled through her. What kind of mother raised a child w

"biggest" cone seemed vulgar, pathetic. T

nor said, her voice so

l on the counter, a payment rendered. He then too

ite, collective nod and walked away,

llow ache of loss and a stran

with acid. "Eleanor, you're being far too kind t

rmth in her eyes vanished,

y taught you how to raise a child who screams and envies, then you need

Harmony like a

and bring it honor," Eleanor continued, her voice merciless. "

aining from her face. For the first time, she understood with terrifying clarity how littl

nd swept towards the exit, leaving Harmony and a stil

ts, her nails digging so deep int

-it all found a target. Those t

urning with their treats. She smiled, walking to meet them, compl