CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO: The Two Mothers

I refuse to speak, let alone glance at any of the Whitlocks' faces. It makes my stomach churns to pretend that I’m happy being around them.

Sammy has already been taken to his room by the maids. I attempt to excuse myself from the dining table to be with Sammy, but Elmyra…

"Please, Hazel, join us," she insists with a brittle smile.

I can only sigh, I’m too exhausted to argue. I’m not in need of welcoming anything that’ll only drain my little-to-nothing strength, so I stay.

Surprisingly, Elmyra proactively cooks the dinner. I’ve never seen her near the stove or even touch any kitchen utensils before. I hope the meal will taste as bad as her attitude, so Reeve and Carter won't enjoy it.

Elmyra sets the pot of the beef stew on the table with that same brittle smile she’s been wearing since arriving here, which irritates me.

Her fakeness continues as she first and only serves me, letting the men scoop their own portions.

As we eat, Elmyra turns to Carter. "I’m so happy you’re alive, C