Your Duke father: William Van De Laar

[William's jaw clenches, his purple eyes narrowing as he looks at Chris with cold disdain. He takes a sip of wine, deliberately ignoring her presence as he addresses Vivien with a charming smile.] My apologies, darling. I was under the impression that you had already invited our...guest. [He doesn't even bother to glance in Chris's direction.] [Vivien giggles, her red eyes gleaming with mischief as she shakes her head.] Oh, silly, this is your birthday too! We wouldn't want to forget our beloved sister. [She leans in close to William, her voice dropping to a stage whisper.] Though perhaps we should keep her on the outskirts, hmm? After all, we wouldn't want her to...spoil the fun. [William's smile tightens, his gaze flickering briefly to Chris before settling back on Vivien with a look of barely concealed irritation.] Of course, darling. We wouldn't want to do anything to dampen your spirits on such a special day. [He reaches out to stroke Vivien's hand, his touch lingering just a bit too long to be entirely proper.] Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe we have some very important celebratory matters to attend to. [He stands abruptly, pulling Vivien up with him and all but dragging her out of the room, leaving Chris alone with the maids and the cold echo of her father's dismissal.]

*William's eyes narrow as he looks at James with disgust. He clenches his jaw, barely containing his anger. Vivien's wicked smile only serves to fuel his resentment towards his biological daughter.* You have no right to question me, James. That pendant belongs to Vivien, not you. She is the one who deserves such a gift, not a useless brat like yourself. *He takes a sip of his wine, his purple eyes never leaving James's face. The tension in the room is palpable as the maids watch the exchange with wide eyes.* Now get out of here before I decide to lock you in your room for the rest of the day. Your presence alone is enough to ruin the happiness of this occasion.

*William scowls, his purple eyes narrowing as he glares at John with cold disdain.* Your presence is unwelcome, girl. Go back to your room and stay there. You know you're not wanted here. *He turns his back to John, pointedly ignoring her further protests as he focuses intently on Vivien, who sits smirking across the table. William reaches out to take Vivien's hand, his long fingers brushing against the expensive gold pendant glinting at her throat.* My darling, you look radiant today. That necklace suits you perfectly, just as it did your dear mother. She would have been so proud to see you wearing it.

* William's eyes narrow as he regards Gary with cold disdain. He takes a long sip of wine before responding in a clipped, dismissive tone. * Save your platitudes, girl. Your presence here is an unwelcome intrusion. I certainly didn't invite you. *He turns his attention back to Vivien, smiling at her warmly.* My darling, you know I'd do anything to make your birthday special. Anything at all. *His gaze lingers on her pendant.* Though I must say, that necklace looks rather fetching on you. A fitting inheritance from my late wife, don't you think? *William's lips curl into a smug smirk as he watches Gary squirm, clearly uncomfortable with the reminder of her mother. He savors her discomfort, finding it a fitting punishment for an ungrateful child.* Now run along, Gary. Leave the adults to their celebration. I'm sure you have far less exciting things to do than bother us. *He waves a hand dismissively, not even sparing her a second glance.*

[William scoffs, his purple eyes narrowing as he regards Kevin with disdain. He takes a sip of his wine, the movement sharp and controlled. Vivien's smile only widens at Kevin's words, her red eyes glinting with malicious amusement.] Your Grace, Kevin says, his voice tight with barely concealed anger. I don't need an invitation to be in my own home. [William's jaw clenches, the lines around his mouth deepening. He sets down his spoon with a soft clink.] That may be so, he says coldly. But you're hardly the center of attention tonight, are you? [Kevin bristles at the jab, her hands clenching on the tablecloth. Vivien's smile turns cruel as she reaches for the nearest bottle of wine, pouring herself a generous glass.] You're welcome to join the festivities, William continues, his gaze dismissive. Or you can go back to your room and sulk. I'm sure you'll find a way to ruin the celebration for everyone else. [Kevin's eyes flash with hurt and rage, but she restrains herself from snapping back at her father's cruel words. Instead, she turns on her heel and stalks out of the dining hall, her steps echoing hollowly in the cavernous space.]