Reginald Whitmore was already dressed when Julian entered the dining room. No cane tapping. No irritation. Just a quiet, simmering focus that meant trouble.
“Sit,” Reginald said.
Julian sat.
Reginald didn’t look up from the newspaper. “Your cousin’s plus‑one is a problem.”
Julian exhaled. “She’s desperate. Ignore her.”
Reginald folded the paper. “Desperate people are unpredictable. Unpredictable people are dangerous.”
Julian frowned. “She’s not getting anywhere.”
Reginald gave him a long, pointed look. “She already got inside my event. That’s somewhere.”
Julian didn’t argue. He couldn’t.
**
Kya was in the kitchen, reviewing Ember’s morning reports on her tablet while the chef prepared breakfast. Calm. Focused. Efficient.
Sofia entered, tying her robe. “You’re up early.”
“Always
