"Malcolm, you must be joking," Noah said, his face darkening. "This is just a petty squabble between two girls. Harley can apologize to Xena, and that should be enough. Do you really think you can extort my land in the northern district? You must be out of your mind!"
Malcolm's hand came down hard on the desk, snapping off one of its wooden corners.
"This is my home!" Malcolm bellowed. "It's where my siblings eat, sleep, and live! My youngest sister is only three, and Xena has just come of age. This is supposed to be their safest, most relaxing place."
He glanced at the trembling Harley and continued, "And yet, in my own home, my sister was kidnapped! You call this a petty squabble? To hell with your petty squabble!"
Malcolm kicked over the chair in front of him, sending it flying towa
