CHAPTER 17: A Beta's Promise

  Simon's POV

  "Look, Nolan," I began, my voice steady but reassuring. "I know you are eager to confront Evelyn and clear the air, but rushing in might just push her further away. We need to approach this carefully."

  Nolan frowned, clearly frustrated. "But she has been avoiding me! How much longer can I wait? That child she is hiding from me is mine. I have a right to see him and to know him. How could she keep this from me? My heir!" Nolan was understandably angry, and I could sense his frustration but going in at Evelyn would only make matters a lot worse. I was not prepared to let my sister run away again and disappear for five years. I had already missed so much without my sister by my side.

  "I get it, I really do. But think about it this way: By taking a step back, we give her the chance to process things on her own. I will talk to her, figure out what is going on in her head. It will help bridge the gap between you two. I promise, as your beta. You have my word."