As Matriarch Whitmore and her entourage prepared to depart, the various family heads stood in unison, bowing respectfully to her.
Ethan, unfamiliar with the proper etiquette, could only follow their lead.
The old matriarch moved briskly, saying nothing as she headed straight back to the Whitmore residence.
Upon entering the main hall, they found Ryan and the others already waiting, anxiety written across their faces. Matriarch Whitmore stepped inside, then immediately turned to face Ethan.
"I didn't let you attend the banquet because I knew you'd have questions!" she declared.
"That so-called Lyla who would come out to greet everyone, wouldn't be the real one!
You're familiar with her. You would've seen through the disguise immediately—and caused a scene. If that had happened, you wouldn't be able to participate in tomorrow's tournament.
I had to think about the Whitmore Family's next ten years. I'm sorry."
