William was… stunned, truth be told.
From everything he had heard from Emma, it was clear she shared a close bond with her father—much like the bond William himself had with his own.
She always spoke of Vitori with warmth, respect, and that gentle fondness only someone raised with care could possess. And yet here she was, arguing with her father without a moment's hesitation, all to protect William's dignity… so he would not be treated unfairly or suffer needless humiliation.
The contrast left him shaken.
He had arrived prepared to endure whatever trial the man wished to impose. If being tested could erase the doubts festering in Vitori's heart, William would have accepted it without complaint.
He understood the need for caution. He understood suspicion. And deep inside, he understood that the man was not wrong for demanding proof.
