Adrian's features gradually softened.
He could clearly see the compassion in Summer. She wasn't related to Noel by blood, yet she cared for him as if he were her own. She felt his pain, shielded him, and helped him find his voice again.
The more he thought about it, the more his respect for her grew. And with that respect came guilt.
He had suspected her of being involved with Gideon. Now it seemed absurd.
Summer wasn't scheming. She simply couldn't ignore a child's suffering. While Danica had inflicted harm on her own child, Summer had stepped in to protect him.
"That woman has no right to call herself his mother," Adrian said coldly. "I won't let her go anywhere near him again."
Then he looked at Summer thoughtfully, something shifting behind his eyes. "Do you like Noel?"
His question caught her off guard. "What kind of question is this?" she chuckled nervously.
'Has he completely lost his senses?' she wondered in her mind.
"Answer me honestly," he pressed.
