After the family dinner, the Carters left with full bellies and mild trauma.

Damian exhaled in relief, loosening his tie as he entered his room. A hot shower and six hours of sleep that’s all he wanted.

But fate (and Grandma Eleanor) had other plans.

The door creaked open.

“Damian boy,” came her voice, warm and terrifying.

He groaned. “Grandma, can it wait till morning? I’m exhausted.”

“No, dear, it cannot.” She marched in like a general. “Sit.”

He obeyed—because no one disobeys Eleanor Cross and lives to tell the tale.

She folded her hands. “Why are you scattering your family by yourself?”

He blinked. “What do you mean, Grandma?”...