Vivienne looked at Cyrus as he spoke, each word coming out slowly. His gaze was gentle, his eyes clear and unclouded, with no trace of impurity.

“Cyrus, no one’s family is better than anyone else’s. I’ve laid all my cards out for you. Do you still not trust me?”

Vivienne’s words pierced Cyrus’s heart like arrows. He could actually feel his heart tremble faintly.

He stared into Vivienne’s eyes for a long moment before finally conceding, “Then ...