Page 87 of Shattered Throne
"On the walking path?" Sebastian asked mildly.
"You'd be surprised."
Kim sat down, her cheeks flaming. I took the seat beside her, letting my hand find her knee under the table. She jumped slightly, then relaxed, her fingers interlacing with mine.
"Well," Grandmother said, her eyes twinkling. "I'm glad you could join us. You both look very... refreshed."
"Eleanor!” Helena murmured.
"What? I'm simply observing."
The meal proceeded. Courses came and went. Conversation flowed around us—business talk, vacation plans, Zoe's animated recounting of her starfish adventure with Evie. I kept my hand on Kim's knee, grounding myself in her presence.
Then I saw Cole approaching the table.
He'd been seated across the restaurant—investor relations, Sebastian had explained, waving vaguely toward a group of suits by the window. But now he was walking toward us with purpose, his eyes fixed on Kim.
No. Not on Kim.
On Zoe.
"Good evening," Cole said smoothly, stopping beside our table. His gaze lingered on Zoe, something hungry in hisexpression. "I don't believe I've been properly introduced to this little princess."
Zoe looked up from her phone, curious. "I'm Zoe."
"Hello, Zoe." Cole crouched down to her level, that charming smile firmly in place. "That's a very pretty name. How old are you?"
"I'm five."
Something flickered across Cole's face. Recognition. Calculation.
Six years since he'd left Kim. Five-year-old daughter. The math was easy, and he was clearly doing it.
I moved before I could think. Stood, positioning myself between Cole and the table. "Can I help you with something, Mr. Matthews?"
Cole straightened, meeting my eyes. "Just being friendly."
"My grandmother prefers to keep dinner conversations among family." I kept my voice pleasant. Neutral. The kind of neutral that made it clear this wasn't a request. "I'm sure you understand."
A beat of silence. Cole's jaw tightened, but he nodded once. "Of course. My apologies for the intrusion."
He walked back to his table.
I sat down.
The family was watching me. I could feel their questions, their confusion. Sebastian's eyes were narrowed, assessing. Grandmother's expression had sharpened. Even Isabelle had lowered her phone.
Kim's hand found mine under the table and squeezed.
I didn't explain. Didn't offer excuses or context. Let them wonder.
All I knew was that Cole Matthews had looked at Zoe like she was something he wanted to claim. Like a possession. Like leverage.
I would throw myself off a cliff before I let that happen.
Whatever this was between me and Kim—real or fake, temporary or permanent—protecting her and Zoe was the one thing I was absolutely certain about.
I would keep them safe.
