Chapter 692

His lips parted as he took a deep breath, the words he’d rehearsed over and over suddenly catching in his throat. He didn’t want to talk to him. Leo fidgeted with the cutlery in his hands, the soft clink against the plate betraying his unease as he lowered his gaze. Truth be told, there was one thought that had been gnawing at him for days—no, longer than that. At the realization, he lifted his head again. His dark eyes flickered with uncertainty as they settled on the man seated across from him. “You…” The boy hesitated, his brows knitting together as if the words themselves were too heavy to say out loud. “What is it?” Robert asked calmly. His tone was light, patient, almost indulgent. Leo bit his lip. A faint spark of defiance flashed in his eyes as he straightened in his chair. “Fine. I’ll just ask outright—” “You,” he said bluntly, without a shred of politeness, “do you… like my mom?” Eleanor stiffened instantly. Her fingers curled tighter at her side, nails digging into her palm.