The penthouse was eerily silent after Celeste left, but Arabella’s mind was anything but "Father doesn’t like being outmaneuvered. He’s already planning his next move."
Celeste’s words gnawed at her, stirring an unease that settled deep in her chest.
Arabella had always known defying Edmund Whitmore would come at a cost, but now? Now, she had forced his hand. And her father never lost.
Her phone vibrated on the coffee table.
Father.
A chill crawled up her spine as she stared at the screen. She could let it ring, pretend she hadn’t seen it—but that wouldn’t stop him. Edmund Whitmore didn’t tolerate silence. He would find another way.
Swallowing hard, she picked up the call.
“Arabella.”
His voice was smooth. Controlled. A quiet storm waiting to be unleashed.
“Father,” she greeted, k
