"What question?"
Elena's eyes shifted back toward him briefly.
Whether intentionally or not, there was something exhausting about the way she looked at him tonight.
Not with anger or sadness.
Just acceptance.
"I was wondering how difficult this arrangement would be for you," she replied quietly. "Now I know."
Something about that response irritated him unexpectedly because she wasn't fighting back.
She wasn't offended by what he feels about her. Wasn't even trying to defend herself.
Edward finally set his glass down against the desk with a soft clink.
"That changes nothing," he said calmly.
Alaric dragged a hand through his hair again, frustration building. "Grandfather…"
"No," Edward interrupted smoothly. "You don't get to refuse it now… it's too late for that."
The room fell silent again.
Edward's gaze moved between both of them before he continued.
