He let that hang heavy in the air. Then he straightened his jacket, turned his back to both of them, and took a slow step toward the door.
The silence burned until Abigail's voice broke it, sharper now, her pride stung deep. She pushed herself up from her seat, her glare locked on his back.
"So, Robert," she snapped, her voice quivering with rage, "you actually insulted my family, right? You stand in front of me and say my family should not cry, should not push? Is that what you just did?" Her tone cracked with fury as her finger pointed at him.
"You can disrespect me all you want, but I have never never tolerated anyone disrespecting my family."
