Chapter 14
Gavin admitted bringing Lucas into the residence six times.
Always when Alessandra was away.
He wanted the boy to become familiar with the house before the separation plan began.
Vanessa accompanied him twice.
Sybil all six times.
Tobin had seen Lucas once.
Gavin told him the boy was “a friend.”
Then warned Tobin not to bother Alessandra with unnecessary questions.
The pattern was clear.
The replacement had begun psychologically before anyone packed the bedroom.
Alessandra met Gavin, Vanessa, Sybil and Ethan one final time in a private hotel conference room.
Attorneys were present.
No children.
No capos.
No audience.
That disappointed Ethan.
He had always preferred spectacle.
Alessandra sat at the head of the table.
Not because she needed dominance.
Because it was her hotel.
Gavin looked toward her.
“What happens now?”
Alessandra allowed the silence to stretch.
His breathing became audible.
“You face what you actually did.”
Vanessa’s fingers tightened around her bracelet.
Sybil remained upright.
Ethan stared back defiantly.
Alessandra continued.
“Not what I wish you did. Not what makes me angriest. What can be proven.”
Gavin’s eyes shifted.
The divorce would proceed.
Financial claims would proceed.
The forged authorization, hidden surveillance, employment abuses and child-welfare issues would be handled through their respective processes.
Ethan’s contracts would face independent review.
Sybil’s access was finished.
Vanessa would have no contact with Tobin.
Then Gavin asked the question he had avoided all night.
“And Lucas?”
Alessandra looked at him.
“He isn't being punished for having you as a father.”
Vanessa’s expression changed.
For the first time, some of the arrogance disappeared.
Then Alessandra added:
“But you don't get to use either boy to bargain with me again.”
Gavin lowered his eyes.
That was when Tobin’s therapist called Alessandra.
May you like
The boy had made a request.
He did not want his old bedroom back.
