A sharp ache struck my chest. I had tried to let him go, yet seeing such tenderness directed at another cut deeper than I expected.
Alfred nudged Kael lightly. “Don’t favor one over another. Surely she deserves some too.”
For the first time that evening, Kael’s gaze landed on me. His brows drew together, his voice calm but edged with quiet authority. “Bring her another plate.”
“No.” My voice was steady, measured. “I don’t eat prawns.”
“Fish, then?”
“I don’t like it.”
“And chicken?”
“Neither.”
He stared, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Not a trace of hesitation. I met his gaze, lifted a linen napkin from the table, wiped my lips, and said softly, “I do not want what you offer.”
“Betty, are you upset?” Via asked, cautious. “Why not eat something? Please, don’t be mad at Kael.”
I lifted my chin, letting silence answer. The city skyline above watched in quiet indifference as the family gathered, as loyalties were tested, and as the space between us grew wider than any street or alley could measure.
Her hesitant glance made it feel as though the entire room was judging me, though in truth, I bore no fault.
“How could I be upset?” I said softly, my voice steady, edged with cool precision. “Please, enjoy your dinner. I have matters to attend to at my apartment. I shall take my leave.”
With a calm, measured smile, I gathered my satchel and prepared to exit the estate.
Alfred’s voice, sharp with provocation, rang out deliberately from across the table. “Still stewing over the fireworks I set up for Via?”
The mention of it prompted Via to speak quickly, her tone polite but calculated, like a strategist weighing every word. “Betty, I—my mood was poor that night. Kael only meant to lighten it with the display. Kael, perhaps you should offer her an apology.”
Kael’s amber eyes darkened, his brows knitting in irritation. “I merely set off the fireworks. Why should I apologize?”
The words landed like cold steel across the room. Silence pressed down on the table, tense as tightened wires.
Via’s gaze flicked toward me, her smile quiet but possessive, a claim made without words. It was laughable. The one who had caused the sting remained blind to his own fault, believing a gesture alone could soothe the wound, as if life would simply move forward without consequence.