Evan stares down at Avery but keeps his hands behind his back. Avery looks pointedly away; she'd rather watch David operate on Robert than look at Evan.
"Mrs. Howel wasn't hurt," Robert says around the ball of fabric in his mouth.
The words sound muffled and strange, but Evan seems to understand. His body relaxes, and his face softens. He raises one hand as if to touch her and then drops it back down to his side.
"Robert, why is there an army of bodyguards on the front lawn?" Avery asks, ignoring Evan.
"To send a warning," Evan replies.
Avery exhales a long sigh as relief floods her body. If Evan was ready to start a war with Jackson, there'd be no stopping him. A feud between the Howel and Oliver families would destroy them both. Besides, if things stay peaceful, it'll be easier to negotiate with Andrew.
