The Kiss that Sparked it All

McNeil Howard, sensing the guests’ displeasure, decided to zip it.

No one seemed to care whether Xenia and Patricia had even taken their seats before digging in. The mother-daughter duo, feeling miffed, took their seats in silence

The two respected elders and the power holders of the Howard family were all fussing over Ellinor, piling food onto her plate, fearful she might not like the food or miss out.

Patricia, the golden girl, was experiencing a level of neglect she’d never felt before.

She could barely stomach any food as her eyes burned holes into Ellinor and her heart filled with resentment.

Xenia noticed her daughter’s emotional turmoil and gave her leg a gentle pat under the table, signaling Patricia to keep her cool.

Patricia calmed down and locked eyes with her mother. The two shared a knowing look, understanding each other’s intent.

“Everyone’s started eating? Why didn’t anyone call me?” Byran Howard grurnbled, trudging downstairs with a sour expression.

looked up at him sharply. “Did you finish your homework?”

I’m starving! Can I eat first and

that Ellinor had just devoured a fair share of his cooking, Balfour was in

“Go ahead. We have an important

Ellinor. Was the whole family dining with Ellinor today?

reckoned with; even his

Byran slid into the seat next to him and dug

where Patricia usually sat? Patricia must be pissed, right?

joy, she wasn’t eating, and was

was definitely ticked

she and Ellinor had made up? She even happily showed Ellinor around the house,

at odds again?