Amelia POV

For the first time, I had seen Maxwell’s walls crack, allowing me the smallest glimpse into the man hidden beneath the ruthless exterior.

And for a fleeting moment, I believed—hoped—that he would finally let me into his world.

But just as quickly as he had opened up, he shut himself off again.

“Never mind,” Maxwell muttered, standing abruptly. His expression hardened, and the warmth in his green eyes vanished, replaced by the familiar cold detachment. “Forget I ever said ...