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…”

couldn’t bear it any longer. “Mr. Fuller, you have such a strong bond with your son,” he interjected. “You

before Ashton’s eyes. “Mr. White, your relationship with Ms. Stovall appears to be pretty normal,”

expression carefully level. “It’s hard to imagine how a busy man such as yourself would have so much time to poke his nose into other people’s private matters,” he

clouds. “Second only to your ability

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

at you,” Ashton said mildly as he turned to Gregory. “Are you finished?” he asked. Though his

turned hostile but was most reluctant to put down his fork.

then. We’ve overstayed our welcome. Someone’s not happy,” Ashton said as he got up. “Thank you for your kind hospitality,” he

the door to shut behind them before turning to Marcus. “Do you have a grudge against Ashton or something?”

encounter was harmonious by comparison. However, upon becoming neighbors, the hostility between them had grown into something

to be thrown about like that

Marcus was usually mild-mannered.

Marcus resumed his calm demeanor. “Why would you think that?” he said with a light laugh. “You’re

topic that he did

there was indeed something

Marcus refused to discuss it, I wouldn’t have any reason to get to the