Chapter 13
The proxy arrangement had lasted less than two years.
But during that time Sybil used Gavin’s votes to shape hotel contracts, staffing appointments and vendor relationships.
Ethan’s companies benefited.
So did two businesses connected to Sybil’s longtime associates.
Nothing alone looked catastrophic.
Together, the pattern was obvious.
The marriage had opened a door.
Sybil had spent years walking people through it.
Alessandra removed every remaining access privilege tied to Gavin immediately.
Vendor contracts went under independent review.
Sybil lost all advisory roles.
Ethan’s security company was suspended from Ashford properties pending investigation.
Gavin’s financial privileges were frozen where Alessandra had lawful authority to do so.
Not revenge.
Containment.
That distinction mattered to her now.
Tobin remained with Alessandra under temporary arrangements agreed through counsel and child specialists.
One evening he sat on the floor of his new bedroom.
Alessandra had not restored the old room exactly.
She asked what he wanted instead.
Blue walls.
Shark sheets.
A lamp shaped like a whale.
He looked around.
“Vanessa’s boy sleeping here?”
“No.”
“Ever?”
Alessandra paused.
“Not unless you want him to visit someday.”
Tobin frowned.
“Why would I?”
Alessandra looked at her son.
Because Lucas was innocent.
Because he was also Gavin’s child.
Because adults had already used both boys as pieces in a fight neither understood.
She did not explain all of that.
Then Tobin asked:
“Is he my brother?”
Alessandra’s eyes softened.
“Half-brother.”
Tobin thought for several seconds.
Then looked down at his stuffed shark.
“Did he take my room?”
“No.”
A pause.
“Grown-ups tried to give it to him.”
That difference mattered.
Then Tobin said something Alessandra did not expect.
“I saw him before.”
Her eyes sharpened.
“Where?”
Tobin pointed toward the hallway.
“In Daddy’s office.”
May you like
Months earlier.
Lucas had already been inside the Ashford residence.
