*Noah's POV*
Mrs. Bennett's words echo through the marble-lined room like a death sentence. The family rules. I remember them well from my three years as the family's pet project. Break them, and face judgment from the matriarch herself.
"Kneel," she commands, pointing her cane at the floor in front of her. "Accept your punishment like a man."
The poodle, Lucky, suddenly breaks free from Mrs. Bennett's side and bounds toward me. His tiny paws click against the marble as he jumps against my legs, tail wagging furiously. He's the only living thing in this house that's genuinely happy to see me.
"Even the dog has more sense than you," Zoey sneers. "At least Lucky knows where he belongs."
Liam laughs. "Maybe we should get you a collar too, Noah. Make the hierarchy clear."
I reach down and scratch Lucky behind the ears. His unconditional affection is the only pure thing in this toxic room. Mrs. Bennett's face darkens at the display.
