The metallic chopsticks struck the sturdy wooden table with a resonant, unyielding force.

The next moment, Joseph rose slowly, his long fingers pointing unerringly at Rose and Yvette. His expression was as cold as carved marble, his voice even colder. Right nowits time to get these two out of here.

Wh-what?

Roses lips quivered, her disbelief written in every tremor.

It was Sir Larkins eightieth birthday, a momentous family occasion. And yet ...