Stephen flicked his cigarette ash: "Speak."
Ethan hesitated: "It's... about Ms. Wilde."
Stephen's eyes turned to ice as understanding dawned. The cigarette crumpled in the ashtray under his grip as he rose. "Post two of our most reliable men at Summer's door," he commanded, his voice like steel. "Then gather everyone at the family estate. Everyone."
An hour later, Celine was escorted back from the airport.
The reception room of the old mansion was filled with people.
Edward, Adrian, Adrian's parents, and Celine's parents all wore serious expressions.
The gravity of the gathering struck Celine like a physical blow. Her legs trembled as she stumbled toward her parents' familiar figures on the sofa, a desperate cry of "Dad, Mom!" escaping her lips. Then came her uncle's voice, sharp as
