Chapter 163: Chapter 163: The Mark of Cain

DR. FRANKLER GREETED EVERYONE but Maverick by name. She skipped over him and turned to Zander. He was standing next to me holding my hand and when she squinted at him, he tensed. Then her eyes smiled kindly. A wave of gratitude washed over me. So far, Zander's presence had been met with suspicion and outright hatred wherever he popped up.

"For the record, Zander," she said. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt because I believe Tru would know if your intentions aligned with your father's."

I gasped. Apparently, she knew who Zander's father was.

"I want you to know that I feel like I can trust you, too," she said.

Zander blinked rapidly, his lips tightening. Before I could examine him more closely, the doctor moved on pausing in front of Maverick. She tossed me a raised eyebrow.

I hurried to introduce them. "This is Maverick. He works for Ira--"

"Sans Sebastian," she finished.

"You know Uncle Ira?" I asked.

"I do. Our paths cross from time to time."