Chapter 2: The Smile That Didn't Move
Genevieve didn't scream.
She didn't cry.
She straightened her robe, lifted her chin, and looked at me the way she always did when she wanted to control a room.
"Dorian.
You're home early."
"I heard everything," I said.
She glanced at Yasmin — still on her knees, still holding my sons — then back at me.
"She provoked me.
You don't know what it's been like managing this house while you're away."
Yasmin said nothing.
Nico had stopped crying.
He was pressed against her chest, one small fist wrapped around Mallory's rattle.
"Put the roses down," Genevieve said softly.
"Let's talk about this upstairs.
Privately."
That was when I noticed her eyes.
She wasn't looking at my face.
She was looking at my jacket pocket — where I kept my phone.
Calculating.
Already deciding what version of this story she would tell.
"There's nothing to discuss," I said.
Her expression shifted.
Just for a second.
Then she smiled.
"You're upset.
That's understandable.
But Dorian — think carefully before you do anything.
We have a wedding in six weeks.
Vendors.
Contracts.
Guests.
Your board members are attending." She paused.
"And your estate documents are already in review."
The room went very still.
"What documents?" I asked.
She said nothing.
But her smile didn't move.
May you like
That was when my phone buzzed.
A message from my attorney — marked urgent.
