I’m not quick enough to respond, so he slams his hand down on the table again, causing the china to rattle as he shouts, “DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”
The tears finally spill over, and I nod, whispering, “I understand.”
My response placates him. He leans back in the chair and fingers the fork on the table. “Mr. Beaufort, I can assure you that I will keep my daughter in check moving forward. She knows the consequences should she behave in such an appalling way again.” He looks at me. “Don’t you, pumpkin?”
I swallow past the thick lump in my throat and nod. His threat hangs in the air between us like a thick cloud. He’ll kill me if I step out of line again. “Yes,” I whisper.
“Excellent! Now let’s retreat to the living room where you can show Mr. Beaufort and your fiancé the extent of your regret.”
They scoot their chairs back while I sit rooted to mine. My body goes cold with dread. “Dad?”
“Go on ahead,” he tells Bennett and Mr. Beaufort before training his eyes on me. “What’s the matter? You didn’t think you could behave so recklessly, jeopardizing our future, and not have to face the consequences?” He leans down; his face is inches from mine, and a sick smile plays at the corners of his lips. “There are always consequences.” He chucks my chin. “It’s time to face yours.”