Orion’s POV:
I frowned, my arms folding across my chest as I watched Alexei rise from the couch, his movements almost stiff.
There was more emotion swimming in his usually sharp gaze than ever seen. He crossed the room quickly, lowering himself in front of Evangeline’s wheelchair, his entire focus centered solely on her all of a sudden.
"Are you okay?" he asked, voice low, almost urgent.
But Evangeline didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she blinked rapidly, her body stiffening as if seeing a ghost.
"What are you doing here?!" she blurted, her voice cracking, full of disbelief.
Before he could answer, a high-pitched squeal pierced the air.
"Uncle!" Stella shrieked in delight, her tiny feet pounding against the marble floor as she launched herself at him.
Alexei caught her effortle
