In Stormhaven, the Howard family ranked far beneath the Bennets in social standing. So when Webster extended an invitation, Lionel made sure to dress his best and arrived with genuine respect.
Once he reached the party, though, he might as well have been a ghost. He tried starting conversations, but everyone brushed him off completely. Only Webster bothered acknowledging him—and that was just to boss him around, making him serve wine, grab fruit platters, and handle whatever needed doing.
Lionel wasn't an idiot. He could tell they were playing games with him. Still, he kept his composure. Flashing an easy grin, he poured Webster another drink. After getting Webster into a better mood, he asked quietly, "Did I somehow offend you, Mr. Noah?"
Webster looked his way. Since Lionel had been serving him so attentively, he figured he'd throw him a bone.
"You've been bothering Sallie recently, haven't you?"
