The room went completely silent, and the quiet felt heavy, like it was pushing against Sophia’s chest. She could tell something bad was about to happen. The way her three brothers looked at Richard had changed, it wasn’t anger anymore, it was colder than that.
Alexander didn’t move, but his calm expression turned dangerous. It was the kind of stillness that warned something violent could happen at any second.
“Belongs to you,” he repeated softly, but his voice was sharp and cutting.
Richard went stiff, realizing too late what he’d just said. His hand loosened on Sophia’s arm but didn’t release her.
“I just meant she’s my wife. Legally. You can’t just—”
“Can’t what?” Damian cut in, no hint of his usual smile. “Can’t stop the man who’s been poisoning our sister?”
Dr. Cross shifted nerv
