At the Boyd Mansion, a shadow began to cast itself over Percival Ellington's usually charming features.
Truth be told, he had not frequented the Boyd Mansion often, but the few times he did, his visits invariably ended with Cecilia in tears.
As a kid, he could not fathom why the Boyds had such contempt for his mother. As he grew up, the reasons became apparent, and he stopped coming altogether.
Vivienne gazed out the car window. The Boyd Mansion was a majestic sight, grander even than the Brooks Mansion, which Maddox Perez had offhandedly referred to as "little space." "Percival, Ma'am, we've arrived," announced Thomas as he switched off the engine and stepped out to open the car door.
Percival helped Vivienne out of the car, and they stood in front of the massive gates of the Boyd Mansion. His eyes, deep as the ocean, seemed unfathomable.
He stepped forward and rang the doorbell.
"Who's there?" Came an inquiry through the intercom.
A slight frown creased Percival's brow as he replied, "Percival."
There was a momentary pause on the other end before the gate was buzzed open.
The wrought iron gate swung open slowly, yet curiously, no one came out to greet them.
Percival's frown deepened, a thin veil of anger enveloping him.
Vivienne gently tapped the back of his hand and offered a reassuring smile.
The anger surrounding Percival dissipated instantly, and with a smile, he took Vivienne's hand, and they walked in together.
At the entrance, two servants stood aside, revealing a man in a casual suit, the Boyd family butler. "Mr. Ellington, I presume. Please come in. The matriarch has been awaiting you." Percival did not respond, intending to proceed with Vivienne.
Unexpectedly, the butler stepped in their way.
hand, Percival was sure he would have taken
must change their shoes upon entry and proceed to the decontamination room for a cleansing shower before they can meet with the matriarch. You haven't forgotten our
was one thing, but a
the Boyd Mansion hiding a
processing
ring-adorned hand. A gentle squeeze
was about
heirloom ring
did it end up in the hands
upward. "Isn't there a Boyd family rule that requires one to kneel to greet the head? You haven't forgotten that,
butler, clutching his limp arm, knelt in
the world changed, these rules were slowly forgotten, especially by the
spoken of,
head of the family mentioned them, no one dared
down at the butler on the ground, Vivienne spoke sternly, "Is
up and bowed. "Ma'am, please wait here.
into the Boyd mansion, his injured
"Trouble, matriarch!"
written all over his wrinkled face. "What's the rush? Is the house on
reading glasses, Wendy looked every bit
that slut... That woman
composed, was visibly shaken at the mention
that ring for thirty
had hidden it,
were best friends, which was
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