Roger’s eyes flickered with hidden malice, but he forced a smile.

“Well, I will not disturb you two. I have work to do in the study.”

When he left, silence settled in the room.

Dexie turned to Luke. “Did my father call you here?” She remembered asking him earlier when he had entered the house.

Luke nodded. For him, it was rare patience. In the past, even such a simple answer would have sounded cold and impatient.

But Dexie did not feel comforted. Instead, she laughed bitterly.

When ...