Xavier had barely crossed the threshold into the living room that evening when Iris came barreling into his arms, her tear-streaked face heaving with dramatic sobs.
"Xavier. Celia has lost her mind. She is throwing us out on the street and stealing Father's fortune. "
Xavier brushed her off like a pesky fly. "Not now. I need to speak with your sister."
Iris's tears glistened on trembling lashes as she gaped at him, stunned by his icy dismissal.
Without missing a beat, Xavier marched toward the staircase.
Celia's voice sliced through the air from above, sharp as winter frost. "Say whatever you came to say right here."
He froze mid-step and looked up.
There she lounged against the banister like a panther surveying its prey. Celia, fresh from her shower with damp tendrils framing her f
