Chapter 7

The Palmer family's main hall felt more solemn and heavy than ever today.

The dark wooden beams and the plaque hanging high overhead gave off a chilling sense of oppression.

The hall was packed with people.

At the head of the hall sat the elders of the family.

All of them looked solemn, silent as stone.

Seated just below them was my husband, Richard.

He wore a dark, luxurious suit, his face grim.

At his side were my son, Edward, and his wife, Emily.

Edward looked completely bewildered and nervous.

Emily kept her head lowered, so I couldn't see what…