The door suddenly swung wide open with a suddenness that silenced the room. Standing at the threshold, bathed in the dying gold of the afternoon light, was a man whose presence exuded both elegance and disdain. Dressed immaculately, every thread of his suit whispering authority, he surveyed the seated guests with a detached sneer curving his lips.
“My apologies, everyone,” the man said politely, though the boredom in his tone rang loud and clear to all who were present. “I didn’t expect to have guests while I was out of the house. So, what else is there left to hear from you, Madam? Dear George, still breathing, I see. And the young lady I don’t recognize warm greetings to you. Ah, most importantly, did I miss something? Did I, perhaps, extend an invitation to any of you?”
The silence th
