ng that would compete with Annette's Chanel or apologize for its own existence. S

the same stone as his house-heavy, immovable, weathered by money and the getting of it. Annette was at his righ

blue, Lucy Vaughn. Seven years old. Keira's half-sis

all smile. Lucy returned it, tentative, hopeful-the expression of

?" Milo asked. He didn't look at Keira. He

ask him,"

eds adjustment, Keira. This merger is

for her water glass. "Is

esn't care about the family, Father.

fe. The sound was sha

ce had dropped, the register he used for boardrooms and threats. "Let me b

ted, "are not being sold to

ld. Lucy flinched. Her fork

flames shivered. Lucy made a small sound, alm

s innocent, being raised in the same ho

pering against the chair legs. She knelt beside Lucy's cha

on Lucy, her voice soft, almost tender. "This is a tremendous opportunity. An

Lucy's shoulder, and t

serve the family." Keira's smile was gentle, maternal, absolutely terrifying. "She's prettier than I ever was. More obedient. More bidd

er hand was at her throat, her

seemed frozen, his rage arrested by the she

able. "Would you trade your youngest daughter for yo

d, and walked from the room. Her footsteps were steady on the

ands, no thrown objects. Just silence, and the

ere shaking now, finally. She pressed them against her s

em that she could not be moved by thre