Tyler stood quickly.
“Mom, that’s enough.”
Evelyn closed the book and placed it on Tabitha’s lap.
“Read every page before dinner. You will understand what this family protects.”
After Evelyn left, Tabitha turned to her husband.
“How long were you planning to wait before telling me your mother runs a private kingdom?”
“She is difficult.”
“She says I eat last.”
“It’s symbolic.”
“Then you can symbolically starve with me.”
Tyler laughed once, but the sound died when Tabitha did not join him.
“Tabby, please. We just got married.”
“That is exactly why I’m asking whether you are married to me or still reporting to her.”
He moved toward the window.
“You knew the family was traditional.”
“I knew your mother preferred handwritten invitations. I did not know she issued laws.”
Tyler rubbed his face.
“Give me a few days. I’ll handle it.”
Tabitha opened the book again.
A photograph slipped from between the pages. It showed a younger Evelyn beside two women Tabitha had never seen. One woman had a red circle drawn around her face. On the back, someone had written: CLAIRE REFUSED RULE NINE.
“Who is Claire?” Tabitha asked.
Tyler went still.