MAXWELL’S POV
The word sloppy hung in the air like a guillotine blade waiting to drop.
My hand tightened instinctively on Andrea’s waist. I felt her stiffen against my side, her breathing hitching for a fraction of a second. Anger, hot and unfamiliar, flared in my chest.
I was used to Edward tearing into me, I had thirty-two years of practice ignoring his criticisms but seeing him target Andrea, who was only here because I dragged her into this mess, felt different. It felt personal.
I opened my mouth to defend her, to tell the old man that he was being ridiculous, but Andrea beat me to it.
She didn't step back and neither didn't look down at her feet in shame. Instead, she gently pulled away from my grasp and took a small step toward Edward. She held up her left hand, displaying the
