An Unwelcome Apology

"I'm not going out," Ruth said, refusing to leave her room upon learning that the Thorne family had arrived.

Levi exchanged a glance with his aunt, who then stepped out and closed the door behind her. In the living room, Gideon and Fiona politely greeted the guests from the Thorne family.

"Go make some tea," Gideon instructed Levi, but Levi replied, "The tea machine is broken, and I haven't had ti