[Carter Mansion — Dinner]
Dinner at the Carter mansion was unusually lively.
The long dining table was set neatly and the smell of Melissa's cooking lingered comfortably in the air.
Gregory sat at the head of the table, glasses perched low on his nose as he listened to Evelyn speak with his fork paused mid-air.
"So," Evelyn said carefully, "there is a post-wedding ritual in the Reid family. Alexander and I are supposed to stay at the main mansion for two weeks before moving out."
Gregory's fork came down with a soft but very deliberate clink against the plate.
"The main mansion," he repeated slowly.
"Yes," Evelyn replied, already anticipating the reaction. "But Pauline and Margaret are staying there too. Alexander has already moved in."
Gregory leaned back, arms folding across his chest. His expression darkened, not angry but deeply displeased.
"You mean the same house Benjamin and Olivia live in."
Evelyn nodded. "She has her own wing."
