The silverware stilled. The faint crackle of the fireplace filled the pause, and somewhere down the hall, Windstone's staff moved quietly. They could hear even the muted shuffle of polished shoes on marble and the clink of crystal being set for dessert.
Mia looked up first, her smile hesitant, eyes bright with mischief. "Oh, he's going to love this."
Lucius gave a low laugh, the sound smooth and cutting, the kind that could have been mistaken for amusement if one didn't know him well. "'Love' is one word for it. I'd wager he's already composing a lecture that will last longer than this dinner."
Benjamin leaned forward, his napkin forgotten, eyes alight like a child spotting fireworks. "Do you think he'll yell? Or just sigh for an hour like last time? I call dibs on the front-row seat."
