But the truth of the situation still stung, and Jay was determined to prove himself.
Esme looked at him fondly, her expression softening just a touch despite her laughter. She could see the fire in his eyes, the same determination that made him who he was. She knew he hated being treated like a child, especially in front of her. But there was a reason they did it.
In their eyes, Jay was still so pure, so untainted by the world's harsher realities. While the rest of them had been molded by the struggles and darkness of their world, Jay had remained untouched by the dirty politics, the greed, and the ruthless tactics that ran through their family. It was a part of him they desperately wanted to protect.
They all knew that the world could be unforgiving, especially to someone as innocent as Jay. The stronger ones, like Kai, Esme, and the others, could withstand the weight of corruption and manipulation, but Jay… they couldn't bear to see him fall into the same traps.
