Nova stayed silent under her glare, his eyes locked on her face as if nothing else existed. Slowly, his hand lifted, reaching toward her cheek.
Betty's expression darkened instantly. Shifting Sophia securely to one arm, her other hand curled into a tight fist—ready to break his fingers the second he touched her.
From the side, Leon crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold with an unreadable smirk.
'Looks like he's about to lose that hand for trying to touch a grade-three awakener.'
Before Nova's hand could reach her, Sophia's innocent voice broke the tension.
"Mother, who is he? Do you know him?"
Nova froze mid-motion. His eyes widened as if struck by lightning.
"…Are you married?" he asked, disbelief thick in his tone.
Betty blinked at the unexpected question, then a sly smirk curved her lips. She tilted Sophia's chin affectionately and replied, her voice laced with deliberate sweetness:
"Of course I'm married. And she's my daughter. Why do you ask, Mister?"
