As Barrett dragged Zoe away, the lively conversations in the living room immediately dwindled into silence.

Mr. Smith frowned, his expression dark: "This is uncalled for."

Uncle Smith, on the other hand, chuckled gleefully: "Everything was fine, and now Barrett's acting up. What's gotten into him?"

Listening to the voices behind her, Zoe noticed no one making a move to stop Barrett, everyone merely watching on with indifference.

Christopher moved to stand up, but Chair Rivers beside him spoke softly: "Best not to meddle."

With no one else in the backyard, Barrett pulled her towards the gazebo, pressing her shoulders down onto the swinging chair.

He loomed over her, his...