Alex answered for her. “Motivated,” he said, lazy as ever. “Threats of no heat in January tend to move the needle.”
Colton chuckled. “Well-timed outages,” he said, amused. “Amazing what a little discomfort can accomplish.”
Beneath the table,Gideon’s fist clenched so hard his nails dug into his palm. He remembered the elderly woman who’d thanked him for a simple repair last month. The memory turned his stomach.
Evelyn’s eyes darted to him, but his expression held. His rage had long since learned the rules of civility.
Then Sebastian spoke, voice low and venomous. “Speaking of handling things, how is Miss Rivers? Quite unforgettable.”
Gideon stilled.
Evelyn’s gaze slid to him, curious. Alex’s smirk widened, eager for blood, as always.
“Miss Rivers,” Evelyn said smoothly, “appears competent. For now.”
“Captivating, even,” Alex added. “But girls like that? They always crack eventually.”
At his side, Cate’s grip tightened around her glass. Her composure faltered enough to betray the truth: she knew exactly who they meant.
Harlan Atwood, family attorney, took a sip of scotch, his tone flat. “Let’s hope she’s worth the gamble. One wrong step and the private becomes public in an instant.”
Sebastian’s grin was all satisfaction. “Good question. Does she even realize what she’s standing in?”
Gideon’s voice cut clean through the rising tension. “The management of the club isn’t up for discussion.”
Sebastian leaned back, pleased. “Admirable. Your loyalty to your staff. She must be… special.”
Evelyn’s tone turned glacial. “Distractions,” she said, eyes narrowing. “Are luxuries we cannot afford. Wouldn’t you agree, son?”
The words fell heavy. A challenge. A test.
Gideon met her gaze without flinching. “Last I checked,I’m the sole owner of The Blackwell Room, thanks to both of my grandfathers.” He let that land. “Richard Blackwell IIandHenry Hawthorne.”
A ripple passed through the room. Evelyn’s eyes darkened, lips pressed tight.
“My staff,” he continued, voice ice cold, “is not yours to critique.”
Colton’s smirk turned mocking. “Until they are.”
Evelyn leaned in, each word a blade. “The inheritance was an opportunity. We’ve all found ways to contribute. I trust you’ll remember your place.”
“Perhaps a little oversight would help,” Alex said lightly, his tone laced with poison. “Keep things on brand.”
Gideon didn’t blink. “When have I ever needed, or wanted, your help with anything?”
Silence stretched.
Sebastian lifted his coffee cup in a slow, mocking toast. “Family dinners are always so… spirited.”
Talk shifted to quarterly projections.
But Gideon’s thoughts were elsewhere.
On Arden.
On how far he’d go to keep her safe.
And what he was willing to burn to do it.
