In private, she used to call me "honey" without a second thought. Now it was just one clipped sentence—and the line went dead.
So they weren't even bothering to pretend anymore.
The only question was how Marlene's parents—and the rest of the Henson clan—would act when I got there.
I arrived at the Henson family villa to find every elder already assembled.
The way they looked at me was different.
"Sit down."
Spencer Henson waved a dismissive hand.
He used to greet me warmly, calling me his "wonderful son-in-law." Now his voice dripped with cold indifference and barely concealed arrogance.
Every detail told me this dinner was anything but ordinary.
I didn't say much. I took my seat at the table and had just picked up my chopsticks when Marlene walked in—with Miles Sullivan at her side.
"Uncle Henson, and greetings to all the elders." Miles flashed a brilliant smile.
Beside him, Marlene kept her head slightly bowed, stealing glances at me when she thought I wasn't looking.
She wanted to see my reaction.
Unlike the reception they'd given me, Spencer and the others all rose from their seats, falling over themselves to welcome him.