Griffin met his gaze, unwavering. “I appreciate the recommendation, but I’ve retained a lawyer who specializes in family law.”
Julian’s fingers tapped once against his desk. “Cormac specializes in family law.”
“Cormac specializes in you,” Dominic said with a lazy sort of amusement in his tone.
Julian’s gaze snapped to Griffin’s manager. “I wasn’t aware you were involved in this decision.”
Dominic smiled, all sharp edges. “Griffin’s personal matters fall under my purview. And as his manager, I advised him to seek counsel that prioritizes his best interests.”
“Griffin, I strongly suggest you reconsider,” Julian forced out between clenched teeth. “Cormac Steele has handled delicate matters for the team for years. He understands the importance of discretion.”
“I’m sure he does,” Griffin said, not backing down. “But I need someone who’s looking out for Hazel’s interests first. And mine.”
The implication hung in the air between them.
Dominic cleared his throat. “As fascinating as your misplaced interest in Griffin’s paternal rights is, I’m sure Griffin has things to get done before he leaves for Monza tomorrow. Was there a purpose to this call outside of rumors?”
“Thank you, yes,” Julian said, his tone clipped. “Travel arrangements have already been sent over, along with the press schedule Selene prepared. I trust there are no issues?”
Griffin shook his head. “None.”
“Good. Then we’re finished here.”
“No, we’re not. There were no tickets for Violet or Hazel. Did those get sent straight to Violet?”
My father’s gaze flicked to me, then back to Griffin. “Violet will remain in London.”
Relief flooded through me so fast it left me dizzy. The last thing I wanted was to spend four days in the paddock.
“I’m not leaving Hazel.”
Julian smiled, the expression all bite and false sympathy. “Given the circumstances, it’s the most practical solution. You need to act like your old self. No attachments, no distractions. Business as usual.”
Griffin’s fists tightened in his lap.
Selene grimaced. “A baby in the paddock raises questions we’re trying to avoid.”
“Right, but Hazel needs consistency. And Violet is the only one who knows her routine.”
Shut. Up.
What the hell was he doing?
My glare burned into the side of his face.
I didn’t want to go. Couldn’t think of anything worse than a weekend in the Monza paddock. I wanted the silence, the four days of pretending my life hadn’t imploded. Monza was a nightmare of noise and exhaust fumes and Julian breathing down my neck.
I was finally free of my father. Kind of. Temporarily. With strings.
And Griffin was dragging me back in.
“What Violet wants isn’t your concern. Focus on your race.”
“It is my concern if I’m up all night trying to figure out why the baby is crying.” Griffin didn’t even look at me. “If Violet stays here, who handles Hazel? Because if it’s me, I’m not sleeping. And if I’m not sleeping, I’m not racing well.”
Oh, you calculated prick.
Julian had explicitly banned the baby from the paddock five seconds ago. Griffin clearly didn’t care. He moved straight to rostering the staff for a trip that wasn’t happening. He treated my presence like a forgone conclusion.
