Before Ruby could speak, the younger ghost cut in, voice far too cheerful.
"Sister-in-law!" Lucien said, stepping closer with a theatrical pout. "Karl's being so unfair. He won't let us inside. Can you scold him a little for us? You know how soft his heart is…"
He tilted his head and blinked at her like a lost kitten.
Ruby stared at his face for a long second.
His fake sweetness.
That forced charm.
Everything about it made her want to take one long step back.
Disgusting, she thought calmly But her face didn't show it. She simply raised an eyebrow.
The front door creaked open from the inside.
Karl stepped out slowly, eyes immediately locking onto his younger brother.
Lucien straightened up with a bright, fake smile, about to speak again until Karl pointed at him sharply.
"Don't even try to act all lovey-dovey with my wife!" Karl snapped, stepping forward like an angry little lion. "And why are you all here after selling me off like a piece of used furniture, huh?!"
