The Wrath of the Dragon Duke.

Chapter 16 : The First Ultimatum

The Francis family living room wasn’t as grand as most would expect for a family aspiring to mingle with Hilburg’s elite.

The Francis family clung desperately to their aspirations of grandeur, despite their middle-class reality.

The modest furnishings and faded wallpaper hinted at a past of financial strain, a contrast to the airs Harold, Eleanor, and John Francis often put on.

Yet, despite their middle-class roots, the tension in the room was palpable, especially as Lloyd sat on the worn leather couch, surrounded by Lisa’s family.

Despite the fact that no one had spoken so far, the Francis living room fell even more silent as the sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed from the hallway.

All eyes turned toward the doorway as John Francis entered the room, his imposing frame silhouetted against the dim light.

Despite his advanced age, there was nothing frail about him.

His sharp eyes swept over the assembled group with practiced authority, and the heavy wooden cane he carried