"Well, sir, I have some concerns about his behavior and his influence on your daughters," Chris said, warming to his topic. "I was at the estate this morning and found him here, acting very familiar with Grace, Cristina, and Aria. I think he may be overstepping his position as staff.""Overstepping how, exactly?" William's voice remained level, but there was an edge to it that Chris missed entirely."He seems to have convinced them to give him special treatment," Chris explained. "Both here at the estate and at Whitewater Corporation. I've seen evidence of favoritism toward him at work—protection from consequences, special privileges, unusual access to executive-level decisions. And this morning, I found him at the estate acting like he belongs there, like he's more than just hired help."Chris took a breath, building toward his main point. "Sir, I'm concerned that Mr. Tyler may be manipulating your daughters. He's a young man with no significant background or achievements, yet someho

As Chris's eyes slowly lifted from the phone screen, he became aware of his surroundings for the first time since the call had ended. His gaze moved across the estate grounds, taking in the scene before him with growing horror.Several household staff members had emerged during the conversation—a gardener trimming hedges near the house, two maids who'd apparently been cleaning windows, a driver washing one of the family vehicles. They'd all heard everything, the speaker phone carrying William Coleman's voice clearly across the lawn.And they weren't bothering to hide their reactions.The gardener was trying to suppress a smile, his shoulders shaking slightly with barely contained laughter. One of the maids had her hand pressed over her mouth, her eyes dancing with amusement. The driver had actually turned away to face the car, his shoulders moving in what was unmistakably silent laughter.Even the security guard at the gate, who'd let Chris through earlier, was watching with an expres

Several hours later, after showers and breakfast and preparations, it was time to head to Whitewater Corporation. Pervis was gathering his things when all three sisters appeared, clearly intending to coordinate his transportation."I'll drive you," Aria announced. "We need to discuss some things about the Roden situation anyway.""Actually," Pervis said quickly, "I'm going to take a cab today."The three sisters exchanged glances. "A cab?" Grace repeated. "Pervis, we have multiple cars. There's no reason for you to take a cab.""I know," Pervis said. "But after last night, and with everything that happened this morning with Chris, I think it's better if I maintain some separation. If I show up to work being dropped off by the CEO in her personal vehicle, that's going to raise even more questions.""He has a point," Cristina acknowledged. "People already suspect special treatment. Regular transportation helps maintain the cover."Aria nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but if anything happe

Roden's smile faltered slightly at the pushback, but he recovered quickly. "Actually, yes, there is something you can do for me. Since you seem to have so much free time for chivalry, you can put it to better use."He pulled a folder from under his arm and thrust it at Pervis. "These documents need to be filed in my office. Alphabetically, in the proper cabinets. Think you can handle that without messing it up?""Of course," Pervis replied, taking the folder."And while you're at it," Roden continued, clearly enjoying having Pervis do menial tasks, "bring me a coffee. Large, two sugars, cream—but not too much cream. I want it a light brown color, not beige. And make sure it's hot but not scalding. If it burns my tongue, you'll be making me another one."The watching employees exchanged glances. Having another employee fetch coffee was technically allowed but generally considered demeaning—the kind of thing managers did when they wanted to humiliate someone and remind them of their low

"We'll see," Pervis said with another shrug. Then his expression shifted slightly, becoming more pointed. "Though I have to wonder—does this superior of yours know about all the creative accounting you've been doing? The budget transfers that don't quite add up? The expense reports with interesting discrepancies?"Roden went pale. "What are you talking about?""Nothing specific," Pervis replied innocently. "Just idle observations. The kind of thing someone might notice if they were, say, filing documents and happened to glance at financial reports. Probably nothing important."The implication hung in the air—Pervis knew something