“You can’t clear Veil. It’s digital stone. Once it’s carved, it stays. That’s the whole horror of it.”
“Apparently Luca can,” Vince replied.
“Vince.”
He sighed. “Fine. He didn’t technically clear it. He owns it. Bought controlling interest two years ago and built a backend that lets him erase or reroute whatever he wants. Started with one girl’s account. Expanded from there.”
My jaw dropped. “He bought the most viral dynasty platform on the planet… because ofa girl?”
“Something like that.”
I sank back against the pillows. “That is the most Crow thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Probably started because he didn’t like the men in her DMs,” Vince forced a smile if fell as soon as he looked at the IV.
I reached for Vince’s hand and lifted it, pressing a quick kiss to the side of his thumb. “Tell him thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank?—”
“I’m thanking your over-controlling younger brother who just erased an evening of my worst dynasty optics.”
I traced his thumb, thinking about that doctor. “That exam, by the way. Officially the most humiliating thing I’ve lived through.”
“I’m proud of you.” He turned my hand and kissed the back, slow. “I might have… overreacted.”
My grin came easier now. “That’s one word for it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that panicked.”
“I thought you were dying.”
The air shifted. Joking stopped feeling safe there. I turned my face into his shoulder. His hand found my wrist again, thumb tracing over the delicate skin there.
He went quiet. That should’ve been my warning. Instead, I was too lost in his touch.
“Baby,”
My stomach always dropped when he said my name like that.
“Do you have an eating disorder?”
Everything in me went rigid. Eyes stayed fixed on the crease of the blanket. “That’s a dramatic way to ask if I’ve had a stressful month.”
“Madeline. I’m not playing.”His tone shifted, no humour to hide behind.
“I told you I’m fine.”
“The doctor said you’re underweight.”
“I’m small. I’ve always been small.”
“When was the last time you ate an actual meal?”
Heat crept up my neck. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Turn this into an interrogation.”
“I’m trying to understand. Answer me so I don’t have to drag it out of you.”
