Lucil stormed into the room, her cane striking the floor with every furious step.
“Kane Michael Maddox! What in heaven’s name do you think you’re doing? You filed for indefinite leave, handed the company over to the board, and disappeared into this house! Do you have any idea what people are saying?”
Kane immediately moved in front of Nica, shielding her instinctively.
“Your butler tells me you're playing house with some woman, and now I find you here acting as though the entire Maddox empire can simply run itself while you hide away!”
Kane's expression hardened.
“Grandmother.” His voice could freeze oil. “You're in my home. Uninvited. Yelling about rumors from staff I'm about to fire.” He doesn't move from shielding Nica. “The company is fine. The board is competent. And who I have i
