86 CH 85: Challenge Number One

"Evangeline is—" Ambryan paused, his violet eyes on his tea. The cup hovered right above the tray. He stroked the handle as if rubbing his thumb and index finger together. His eyebrows knitted as words repeated themselves in his head. 

'It's you who would be challenged.'

He glanced towards his father. 

Jackson remained in position, ready to absorb any given information. Prior to today, he used any free time and connection to initiate the search. Alas, Avery knew of his tricks. She had been prepared for his onslaught of research.

Instead of being upset, it only drove him more to investigate.

Now, here he was.

Ambryan set down the cup and leaned back on his chair. He saw the hunger for knowledge in his father's eyes. Initially, he chose to speak of the truth—that he and Evangeline forged an agreement about their relationship. He knew it wouldn't be leaked to his mother. Jackson would take his side and even help out.