Pierce stood before his grandfather, William and father, Charles, his eyes staring at his shoes in a mixture of fear and submission. The air in William’s study was thick with tension, and Pierce could feel the weight of his grandfather’s displeasure pressing down on him.

“What were you thinking when you raised your hand against your wife?” William questioned in low tone that dripped with disappointment and anger.

Pierce raised his head to meet William’s eyes. “How did you find out?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Is that what you have to say for yourself?!” William spat, “I have eyes everywhere, Pierce. You’d do well to remember...