Bella's POV
Lucius looked stunned by my reaction. One offhand comment, and I'd actually defended Caspian against him.
He was probably thinking, 'Once upon a time, those devoted, protective eyes were meant only for me.'
The Thorne family commanded respect at court, which naturally earned them plenty of enemies.
I could still recall how people would mock him, sneering that the Thornes acted like they were better than everyone else.
Back then, I'd march right up to whoever dared insult him and tear them to shreds with my words.
But Lucius never valued my fierce loyalty.
He'd tell me I was too confrontational, that my actions only created more enemies for his family.
Meanwhile, Ivy would cower behind him like some fragile flower, feeding his ego by making him feel truly indispensable.
He even had the nerve to accuse me of constantly interfering in his business. He claimed he could handle everything perfectly well without my help.
The irony was almost laughable now.
