I watched as Father's face darkened with rage, his knuckles white around the phone he'd just set down. The study suddenly felt too small, the air heavy with tension.
"Daddy, I can explain," Fiona stammered, her perfect composure crumbling.
"Explain what?" Father's voice was deadly quiet. "That you lied about Arthur Sterling threatening Elara? That you've been spreading rumors that could damage our family's relationship with one of the most powerful men in Oceanion?"
Fiona's lower lip trembled as she sank into the leather armchair. "I was scared for her, Daddy. You know how men like Arthur Sterling are. I heard things—"
"Things? What things?" Father's voice rose. "Philip Mercer just told me Arthur Sterling has never threatened your sister. In fact, he said Sterling was appalled at the suggestion."
I stayed hidden behind the partially open door, hardly daring to breathe. Fiona's eyes darted around the room like a cornered animal's.
