"I apologize," Selina held his gaze. She pressed her lips together, guilt flickering across her face. "The truth is… I was the one who suggested it," she admitted softly. "After I visited her school."
"It's you?" Gray asked Selina before turning back to Conrad slowly. He was still trying to process everything.
"It's not charity, Gray," the old man said firmly. "And it's not because I think Lily isn't being cared for. It's quite the opposite."
Conrad smiled faintly, folding his hands neatly in front of him. His voice remained calm, yet there was something in his tone that said he was genuine.
"Selina told me about your situation. About how much Lily means to you. I respect that. Deeply. And I admire it."
Gray didn't respond. He stared down at his bowl for a long moment. The steam from the soup rose steadily, curling into the air like smoke.
