Magnus came forward. “I appreciate the invitation, Dowager. But tonight, I’ll be having a meal alone—with Vinnie and his spouse. Perhaps next time, I can dine with the Hawthorne family,” he said.
Dowager became stiffened. She is someone who always controlled every situation. She didn’t see this coming. She felt humiliated. She tightened her grip on the cane.
Elizabeth moved without hesitation. She walked straight to where Vinnie was, he looked so weak and battered.
The silence stretched for a moment longer before the Dowager finally turned away. Her expression was unreadable. One by one, the rest of the family followed. Aldrian was the last to move, his jaw clenched so tight, but even he knew better than to fight a battle he had already lost.
As soon as they left, Magnus turned to me.
