Edmund Whitemore slowly rose from his seat, his sharp gaze sweeping across the ruined order of the grand hall. Guards lay scattered on the marble floor groaning and too terrified to move.
His knuckles whitened around his cane.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his voice booming across the hall. “Who are you, and how dare you storm the Whitemore household and cause such disgrace?”
The guests stood frozen, shock etched on every face. They had witnessed arrogance before—but this? This was madness. Whoever this man was, he had challenged the Whitemores openly… and was still standing.
Edmund’s voice dropped, turning lethal.
“Give me one reason not to kill you tonight. One. Or prepare to have your head placed at my feet.”
Ethan stepped forward.
Unhurried.
Unafraid.
“It’s been
