I watched Alaric deliver his dismissive assessment of the Vance family, leaving poor Evangeline looking devastated. The tension in the room was palpable as my friend glanced between my husband and me, clearly hoping I might contradict him. Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and stepped toward Alaric.
"You're being deliberately negative," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "And you're upsetting Evangeline without a proper explanation."
The corner of his mouth twitched in that way it always did when he was secretly pleased. "I'm merely offering my professional assessment."
"Well, your 'professional assessment' isn't needed right now," I replied, crossing my arms. "We were having a private conversation."
"In my house," he countered, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Our house. And at the moment, you're being quite rude to my guest."
Evangeline looked mortified. "Please, it's fine. The Duke is entitled to his opinion."
