Bella's POV
I fixed my stare on Jasper, ice crystallizing in my gaze.
"Lord Jasper, watch what you say!" I snapped. "Haven't you learned that careless words can destroy you?"
My eyes darted toward the entrance. Elias had barely stepped out, yet Jasper had the audacity to utter such dangerous accusations.
"Jasper!" Genevieve gasped, her voice dropping to a terrified whisper as she reprimanded him. Horror painted her features.
She couldn't fathom his reckless statement.
The way he studied me—like I was some calculating manipulator—was bad enough. But speaking about someone like Caspian with such contempt was sheer madness.
Jasper drew a shaky breath, wrestling with the fury burning in his chest.
Maybe sensing his blunder, he finally muttered with defeat, "My head wasn't clear. I spoke foolishly. Don't let it get to you."
His gaze found mine again, but when I offered no reaction, he stormed away in frustration.
