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His office will be empty.
I leave my room and move through the house while it’s still half asleep. When I reach my father’s office, I close the door, lock it, and access the hidden security system. I select Hazel’s room.
The feed loads. Hazel is already awake.
She’s alone, of course. Ella isn’t there. I’m not sure why I thought she might be. I stare at the screen longer than necessary, as if she might step into frame if I’m patient enough.
Ella has her own room. The only reason I have access to Hazel’s room is because my father, for reasons known only to him, decided decades ago that Hazel warranted surveillance.
I switch off the feed.
I should walk to the staff corridor. Knock on Ella’s door. Confirm she’s alive, breathing, furious, whatever else she has the right to be. Ask if she got home safely.
Simple.
Except this is anything but simple after I took her virginity in an office and then sent her away.
I press my palms to the edge of my father’s desk and lower my head.
She’s fine.
Ella is fine.
I can call Audrey.
The thought makes me grimace.
I can ask if all maids are accounted for. Not Ella specifically. All of them. A staffing question. A practical matter.
Yes.
That works.
I pick up my phone.
Before I can unlock it, the lock clicks. Someone with a key. My father? No, he’s gone. Samson? No. The only other person who has access is…
I turn.
Fuck.
Cain.
How many years has it been?
My younger brother wears black, as usual. His hair is slightly damp, swept back from a face much like my own except a bit more vicious.
“Nate.”
“Cain.”
He shuts the door behind him. “What are you doing in Father’s office?” he asks.
I slip my phone into my pocket. “Looking for last night’s pledge reports.”
His gaze doesn’t move. “In the credenza?”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
