Juliette's Point of View
Dinner was a tense affair.
The family gathered in the formal dining room as usual. Vivienne sat at the head of the table, her posture impeccable despite her age. Diana and Marcus occupied their customary seats, along with their children. The younger ones fidgeted while the adults made polite conversation.
But two chairs remained conspicuously empty.
Caleb and Natasha were nowhere to be seen.
Lucian had sent word earlier that he would be working late. Council business that couldn't wait. I understood, but his absence left me feeling exposed at the family dinner.
Especially when Diana decided to stir the pot.
"It's such a shame Caleb couldn't join us tonight," she said, her voice dripping with false concern. "I do hope nothing's wrong."
Vivienne's eyes sharpe
