Hayward stepped out of the breakfast room and walked down the hall toward his study.
"Everette. A word."
Everette stopped halfway down the corridor. He turned around, adjusting his tie. He walked back to where Hayward stood outside the heavy oak doors of the study.
"I have contacted Le Rosey in Switzerland," Hayward said. He did not lower his voice, but his tone was absolute. "They have an opening for the spring semester."
Everette frowned. The skin around his eyes tightened.
"Hayward, we have been over this," Everette said. "Marian would be devastated if we shipped her off to Europe."
Hayward let out a harsh breath. "Marian's feelings or the stability of a multi-billion dollar company? Which one is your priority?"
He stepped closer to his older brother.
"Look at her track record," Hayward said coldly. "The club incidents. The paparazzi. Every time she breathes, the PR department has to work overtime."
"She was different this morning," Everette argued. He crossed his arms. "She was quiet. Respectful. Maybe the threat of losing the trust fund is actually working."
"And now this new act," Hayward cut in, his eyes narrowing. "This feigned madness. The sudden sweetness. Do not be fooled by her display this morning. She is no longer the idiot who only knows how to throw tantrums. She has learned to use submission to build a wall of family support around herself, which is far more manipulative than any of her past tricks. It is more unpredictable. It is more dangerous."
Everette looked away. He rubbed the back of his neck.
He thought about his wife. Marian had cried in bed last night. She felt guilty for ignoring Helena ever since Alaina moved into the house. Marian believed Helena's bad behavior was a cry for attention.
Everette could not break his wife's heart.
"Let us give her one more chance," Everette said. His voice was firmer now. "Let her do the internship at the company. Under our noses. If she steps out of line, even once, I will personally drive her to the airport."
Hayward stared at his brother. His jaw locked.
"You are making a mistake," Hayward said.
"Perhaps," Everette replied. "But I am not willing to risk my wife's happiness on a perhaps."
Everette patted Hayward heavily on the shoulder. "She is your ward. Keep a close eye on her."
Everette turned and walked toward the front doors to leave for the office.
Hayward stood alone in the hallway. The muscles in his back were tight. Everette had pulled rank as the CEO and the father.
Hayward pulled his phone from his inside jacket pocket. He opened a message thread with his head assistant, Milos.
His thumbs hit the screen with sharp, aggressive taps.
I want a full report on Helena's every move at the office. Starting tomorrow. Everything.
He hit send. He shoved the phone back into his pocket. If she wanted to play games in his building, he would watch every single move she made until she slipped.
Upstairs, Helena sat on the edge of her massive bed. She was looking at a row of designer dresses, trying to pick one for her first day. She had no idea she had just survived being exiled to Switzerland.
A soft knock came at her door.
"Come in," Helena said.
The door opened. Alaina stood there. She was holding two large ceramic mugs. Steam rose from the tops.
"I... I thought we could pick out our clothes together," Alaina said softly. She held out one of the mugs. "It is hot cocoa."
Helena felt a genuine warmth spread through her chest. She stood up and took the mug.
"Of course," Helena smiled.
Alaina walked into the room. She looked at the dresses lined up on the rack.
Outside the window, a black SUV pulled away from the estate. Hayward sat in the back seat, staring straight ahead, preparing for war.
