CHAPTER 207: TESTING BOUNDARIES

"What is going on here?" Sandrine's voice carried through the raised voices. She had been out for the evening, but the tension in the air as she stepped inside told her something was amiss. Victoria stood in the kitchenette, her face flushed and eyes wide. "Oh, thank goodness you are here." Victoria rushed to her side. Sandrine took in their faces; Harry's face was a storm of frustration and hurt, while Edmund had a haughty expression on his face. "What is he doing here, Victoria?" She nudged in the direction Edmund stood with his fists clenched at his sides. "What, so you all speak for Victoria now?" Edmund asked, his voice dripped with disdain. To Victoria, he said, "You used to have more backbone than this." Sandrine stood in awe. Victoria's calm demeanor was fraying at the edges, while Harry's agitation seemed to amplify with every word. Edmund continued to mutter incoherently; perhaps the alcohol was starting to get the better of him. "I need you to stop with the snide remar