Penelope POV
"Let it go, big brother."
My hand tightened on Cooper's sleeve. The expensive wool bunched under my fingers.
"It is just dinner," I said. "No need to stoop to their level and ruin the mood."
Across the table, Marcella and her mother sat rigid. Their faces twisted. The silence between us stretched, thick and sour.
I turned my head toward the mother and daughter duo. My voice stayed flat.
"I have a few words I would like to discuss privately with the two of you."
Cooper did not move. His jaw remained locked.
I looked up at him and forced a small, calm smile. "You go on to the private room first."
He looked down at me. His eyes scanned my face, searching for the weak girl who used to hide behind him. He did not find her.
He glanced at the restaurant manager standing by
