Chapter 17

"Sloane." Wilder strode to her side, casting a glance filled with open hostility at Easton. Standing beside Sloane, he took her hand. His fingers laced through hers as if it had always been this way. Sloane smiled when she caught the small gesture. Wilder was still so young, yet he was already so filled with jealousy. "Lo, who is this?" Easton had already recognized him as the man from the photograph. He forced himself to stand straighter. He was unaware that his own hand, now hanging limply by his side, had clenched so tightly it trembled. Sloane barely frowned, dismissing Easton entirely as she turned to Wilder. She spoke in a gentle voice. "Go to your parents first. I'll come to you soon." Tonight was Wilder's reunion banquet with his family; Sloane wouldn't let Easton ruin such an important occasion. Wilder gave her a slightly aggrieved look but, under her firm gaze, lowered his head and reluctantly walked away. He glanced back with every step. Only when Wilder was far e