_"I should be the one asking you the same question for I have not yet to see you shed one tear for your dead brother."
_

“My, you must think of me as being so cold-hearted,” Spencer said with bravado. “You see, I must keep a façade of strength to keep this family functioning. My nephew is most likely the next successor, but with his mindset torn as it is now, well….”

He flashed a smile at Mellie.

“Wouldn’t you agree he needs some…guidance?” he asked, taking note of how distant Mellie was towards him in both behavior and proximity. “Oh come now my loyal little servant! Surely you don’t believe I find disdain in your presence? Hmm?”