Chapter 131

• RICHARD’S POV
• The air crackled with the usual pre-dinner tension. William, my perpetually tanned and smug stepbrother, nudged Jonathan, the lankier one, sending a snort of laughter their way. They were at it again, some inside joke undoubtedly at my expense. My stomach clenched, a familiar feeling. Here we were, about to be subjected to another night of their "subtle" jabs and thinly veiled mockery.
• Just as the tension threatened to solidify into an uncomfortable ice sculpture, Mr. Billingsworth, our ever-so-serious butler, practically burst through the dining room doors. "Sir," he gasped, his voice uncharacteristically high-pitched, "a, uh, very distinguished gentleman has arrived with a rather...extensive entourage.”