"But it doesn't seem like Ellis cares." He glances at me. "Whether his partner sits with him or not."
I stare at him.
My jaw tightens until my teeth ache.
Why is everyone trying to get on my nerves today?
The words come out before I can stop them—cold, flat, empty of everything except exhaustion.
"Why would I care about him?"
I lean back in my chair, shoulders settling into it—letting my posture say what my voice won't.
"You all seem eager to take care of him." I pause, letting my gaze drift across their faces—one by one. "Isn't that true?"
Everic's smile doesn't falter. It widens, growing into something almost fond.
"He's soft," he says. "Cute. Good."
He lifts his teacup. Sips. Calm. Deliberate. Like he has all the time in the world.
"Anyone would want to take care of him." A pause. His eyes meet mine over the rim of the cup.
"Even if he didn't ask."
He sets the cup down.
The soft clink echoes through the quiet room.
"Dad..."
Dad looks at him.
