Beside them, Margo's face darkened instantly, a storm brewing across his sharp features as he clenched his jaw hard enough that a muscle twitched in his cheek.
Max hadn't even looked at him while speaking—hadn't spared him a glance, hadn't even acknowledged his presence—and the calculated slight burned hotter than fire in Margo's chest.
It was as if Max had declared that Margo was too insignificant to warrant even a single word.
Alice, however, didn't appear the least bit troubled. Instead, her eyes glowed softly with warmth as she nodded in quiet understanding, a gentle happiness radiating from her despite the looming tension.
She seemed utterly content that she'd been able to see Max again after so long, and her slight smile was like a balm against the heavy atmosphere crackling between the two men.
