Author's POV
"Where's Dad?" Chloe looked up from her corner, suddenly realizing her father had vanished.
Taylor glanced around. "Bathroom, maybe?"
Elijah refilled Mandy's glass. "He said he needed air. Went outside."
He personally handed the drink to Mandy, his voice dropping. "I can't drink tonight. Will my dear sister drink for me?"
A mocking smile curved across Mandy's striking face. "Is that a threat?"
"How could it be?" Elijah swirled his own glass, heat flickering in his eyes. "Call it... interest on a debt."
Mandy's hands clenched into fists.
Taylor quickly intervened, worried these two would cause a scene and ruin his carefully laid plans. "I'll drink it for Mandy."
"Seems I'm not welcome here." Elijah's tone went cold.
"Cross, don't start s**t!" Tay
