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
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