nk into the plush velvet sofa. The heavy doors sealed shut

ing water with a slice of lemon. Clara then took a seat on

ightly down her throat, grounding her physical senses a

confirms his car has officially left the estate boun

ther's obsession with his public image makes him the most predic

ted with Arthur's dismal academic records and a li

ting moment of genuine vulnerability. She reached out

wledged, her voice tight. "But he is still the only legit

shing instantly. "Fire all the corrupt tutors by midni

e on retainer by tomorrow morning, operating strictly unde

cy. "Now, what is the latest intel on C

f Cordelia Kensington at a charity luncheon, shallowly f

l power doesn't need to scream for atte

ith Camilla Beaumont to pitch a joint venture,"

n. Cordelia was actively trying to undercut the

flaw in Cordelia's supply chain to the

will keep Cordelia trapped in board meetings all week. She'll be

he floor-to-ceiling window that overlo

Her posture was rigid. Her muscles coiled with anti

ervice corridor," Clara informed her, checking a mess

Robert left. That was enough time for Lillian to feel a false

cted, not taking her eyes off the East Wing. "Additionally, activate the localized si

en status light on the screen turned red. Lillian's ab

was a mask of absolute authority. The strategi

or the estate's perimeter cameras. Ensure no neu

lti-screen feed on the coffee table. Her

cold brass handle. She took one last, deep breath, lett

ambient silence of the massive

a steady, inevitable rhythm against the floorboards, soundi

toward the East Wing, where the t