“Liv, this is Elise.” I shoot my father a pointed look that he ignores. “Elise this is my sister, Olivia. Liv is in town on business.”
Olivia holds her hand out and gives Elise a quick shake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“How’s Paris, Liv? You showing them how a Payne gets things done?”
Olivia laughs. “You know I am.”
“Good. I hope you’re settling in okay. You can ask Mrs. Rodriguez for anything you need.”
Olivia rolls her eyes. “I remember how things work. I haven’t been gone that long.”
As far as I’m concerned, she hasn’t been gone long enough, and I have to push back against the rage bubbling up inside of me.
I’m not surprised that Jack went behind my back, but I’m terrified of what it means.
Our father has threatened to bring Oliver and Olivia into the fold for years.
I’ve lost count of how many times he’s demanded they join the family business.
With Olivia here, it’s only a matter of time before Oliver follows.
Fear and guilt settle in my stomach.
At least if they’re nearby, you can keep an eye on them. No need to waste precious resources to keep tabs on them.
Except I know having them in the thick of things won’t end well for any of us.
Being back has already taken a toll on Olivia. I can see it in the way she keeps shifting and the tense set of her shoulders.
I wonder how much our father has told her.
“Back to the matter at hand,” Jack interrupts. “I’ve just received word that someone has been apprehended. He’s being brought to the estate as we speak.”
Thatcher gives a tight nod. “I want to be present when he’s being questioned, but I’ll have to change.”
“I’ll make sure clothes are provided for both of you.” Jack’s eyes dart between Thatcher and Elise. “And anything else either of you needs.”
I spot the top of London’s head just as it disappears behind the island in the kitchen. I press two fingers to my temples and glance over at Olivia. She’s studying our father and clenching and unclenching her hands into fists. I wait until the right moment, then sneak off to find London crouched behind the counter in the kitchen.
Her eyes widen when she sees me, but she says nothing.
I’d be impressed if I wasn’t so pissed. I close my fingers around her wrist and tug her behind me, toward the back stairs.
Once we’re in my room, I release her wrist and let the door click shut. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Do you have any idea what would’ve happened if I hadn’t been the one to spot you spying in the kitchen?”
London stiffens and rubs her wrist. “I wasn’t spying, and you’re deflecting from what matters.”
I raise an eyebrow and lean against the wall. “Enlighten me.”
“I heard everything,” London hisses. “I can’t believe you would lie to me like that.”
“It is business.”
London’s expression tightens. “Bullshit. You were out with that woman, and you were at some kind of event.”
“And?”
London bristles. “Don’t stand there and make me feel like I’m crazy. She’s the reason you’ve been getting home later the past few weeks.”
