ROSETTE’S POV
I laughed.
Not a polite laugh, not a nervous titter. A genuine sound of amusement that made every man in the room flinch.
Arthur’s defiant expression flickered with uncertainty. He’d expected rage. Tears. Perhaps a stammered defense.
He hadn’t expected me to find him funny.
“An experienced advisor,” I repeated, savoring the words. “Someone who understands how things really work.” I rose from my father’s chair slowly, smoothing my skirt with deliberate care. “That’s fascinating, Arthur. Truly. Please, elaborate. Tell me how things really work.”
He straightened, encouraged by my apparent interest. The fool actually thought I was considering his suggestion.
“Well, it’s simply a matter of tradition,” he began, finding his footing again. “Established practices that have ser
