"Hurry up and call that brat back! Tell him his wife is being bullied!" Old Mrs. Sterling barked at the maid, who scurried away immediately.
I stood my ground as Caleb's face darkened. He moved swiftly to block the maid's path.
"Stop right there," he commanded, his voice cold. "Nobody's calling anyone."
The poor maid froze, her eyes darting between Caleb and Old Mrs. Sterling. I could see the conflict on her face—caught between two powerful members of the family she served.
"Did you not hear me?" Old Mrs. Sterling's voice rose. "I said call Arthur!"
Caleb laughed dismissively. "Grandmother, you're confused again. Elara isn't Arthur's wife. She's nothing but a schemer who's taking advantage of your condition."
I felt Old Mrs. Sterling's grip tighten on my arm. Her small frame trembled with rage.
"How dare you!" she snapped. "I know perfectly well who my grandson married!"
