David's smile lingered as he watched Ava's silhouette disappear up the grand staircase, her hand trailing along the polished banister. Only when her footsteps faded into silence did the warmth drain from his features leaving behind a mask of barely concealed rage.

He stood up from the seat and marched gravely in the dlmly lit passage towards his study, each step measured and deliberate. The heavy oak door clicked shut behind him loud in the silence of the hall.

The study enveloped him ...