As the maid presented Elara's replacement plate, an icy silence enveloped the Morgan family. Cecilia's fixed smile did not reach her blazing eyes while Ethan gripped his utensils tightly to rein in his outrage. Only Isabela still feigned nonchalance, but her laughter rang hollow and sharp.
Ignoring the malice surrounding her, Elara turned a gracious smile toward Vincent. "Thank you," she said softly, the intimacy of even those small words heightening the Morgans' silent fury.
"Well, finally we can eat," Isabela snapped like brittle glass.
Sensing disaster, William intervened, "Elara, is your meal satisfactory?"
"It's fine, thank you. Let's eat," Elara replied evenly, ignoring the daggers from Isabela's glare.
The six arranged themselves around oppulent dishes, yet appetite eluded. Behind flawless manners and pleasant words, each had their weapon half-drawn behind facades of civility.
