The chandelier cast a soft golden glow over the long mahogany table at the Du Pont mansion. Silverware clicked faintly against porcelain as the three cousins sat together for dinner. The air was warm with the aroma of roasted chicken, creamy soup, and herbs melting into butter.
Clyde's seat at the head of the table was empty. He had been stuck in the company all day after taking two days off, those he had spent secretly with Micah and Darcy before he was kicked out.
Emile leaned forward, stabbing at his green beans as though they had personally offended him. He let out a long sigh. "Why does the person I like have to be my Uncle's ex?"
Jacklin paused mid-cut, her knife hovering over her chicken breast. Her lips twitched. "What ex?" she said sharply, giving him a look. "Don't start spreading gossip before the dessert even comes!"
"But you won't let me go after her!" Emile whined, his fork clattering as he threw it down beside his plate.
