Lena took a step back as Neil turned to face her. Her eyes brimmed with alarm, like a rabbit caught in the wolf’s den. Her breath hitched, fists clenched tightly at her sides.

“Don’t you dare try anything, Uncle!” she snapped, her voice loud but trembling.

Neil exhaled deeply, his gaze unreadable. “Why are you so fierce?” he asked softly.

“Because you’re always attacking me!” Lena shot back quickly.

Neil fell silent for a moment, weighing her words. Then, in a low voice, ...