When There Is Nothing Left But Love

However, he had spoiled his son. It was overtly liberal for him to be calling people names.

Gregory waved his fork at me when I was lost in thought. “Ms. Stovall, Daddy would like some pork too!” he said in an attempt to instigate me.

The atmosphere over the dining table instantly chilled.

I did not think that a man of his wealth would stoop to eat something that I took for him.

The difference in our status was clearer than ever before. Just sitting at the same table felt strange; being intimate was out of the question.

“Greg, your dad will help himself if he wants some. He…”

It was a pathetic attempt to diffuse the tension, but Ashton chose this moment to make the situation extra awkward. “Greg, I would like some of that pork.”

Though he addressed Gregory by name, it seemed to me that he was speaking to me.

Even Marcus’s fork had frozen in midair. Everybody was confused.

“Err…” Gregory muttered with a glance down at his sticky hands helplessly. “My hands are dirty. Why don’t you ask Ms. Stovall…”

any longer. “Mr. Fuller, you have such a strong bond with your son,” he interjected. “You and your wife must

of coldness flashed before Ashton’s eyes. “Mr. White, your relationship with Ms. Stovall appears to

how a busy man such as yourself would have so much

eyes dark as storm clouds. “Second only to

up straight in his chair. “Mr. Fuller, you are indeed eloquent.” He

you finished?” he asked. Though his voice had no inflections, it was

that the atmosphere had turned hostile but was most reluctant to put down his fork. “Yes, I’m done,”

welcome. Someone’s not happy,” Ashton said as he got up. “Thank you for your kind hospitality,” he said politely to us.

waited for the door to shut behind them before turning to Marcus. “Do you have a grudge against

by comparison. However, upon becoming

was no need for harsh words to be thrown

mild-mannered. He definitely was

my words, Marcus resumed his calm demeanor. “Why would you think that?” he said with a light

a topic that he

show that there was indeed something going on between him and

If Marcus refused to discuss it,