“This was a private marital argument.”
Martin moved between us.
“Stay where you are.”
Kyle stopped.
Thalia’s voice sharpened.
“This is insane.
Kyle, call security.”
He did not move.
Because security was already coming.
Two members of the estate’s private security staff appeared at the entrance.
Both looked at me first.
That surprised Kyle too.
What he had never bothered to learn was that their contract was held by the trust that owned the property.
My trust.
Martin asked me quietly, “Do you want Mr.
Pierce removed?”
Kyle stared at me.
The old arrogance finally cracked.
“You wouldn’t.”
Three years of memories passed through me in a single breath.
Kyle laughing as he told friends I had never understood business.
Kyle accepting praise for deals my father’s capital had made possible.
Kyle dismissing me when I asked why Thalia called him after midnight.
Kyle telling me I was paranoid.
Kyle standing over me minutes earlier with a riding crop while she watched.
I looked at the security officers.
“Yes.”
Kyle stepped forward.
“Wait.”
Martin raised one hand.
“Do not approach her.”
Thalia suddenly grabbed her purse.
“I’m leaving.”
Celia looked at her.
“That would be wise.”
But as Thalia reached the doorway, Kyle spoke.
“You’re staying.”
She turned.
“Why?”
His expression was changing again.
The humiliation was looking for somewhere else to go.
“You started this.”
Thalia stared at him.
“I started it?”
“You kept pushing me to make her sign tonight.”
Her face hardened.
“You were the one who wanted her gone before the board retreat.”
Kyle glanced toward Martin.
Too late.
The words were already in the room.
Martin’s eyes sharpened.
“Why before the board retreat?”
Nobody answered.
Celia did.
“Because Pierce Capital has a refinancing vote Monday.”
Kyle turned toward her.
