The door clicked shut behind Benjamin, leaving a trail of rage still vibrating in the air.
For a moment, Alexander stood frozen with his jaw clenched, brows drawn tight and pulse loud in his ears. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen his father so openly furious or so openly threatened.
Margaret, however, looked delighted.
She dusted off her hands as if she had just taken out the trash.
"Well," she said calmly, "now that the barking dog is gone, let's talk about what actually matters."
Alexander dragged a slow breath, still trying to process everything.
"Grandmother," he began, "Is any of this true? The shares in Evelyn's name?"
Margaret's smirk softened into a proud grin. "Of course, dear. I don't offer empty promises. I told Gregory Carter that his daughter would be protected and I don't lie."
Alexander blinked twice because he genuinely hadn't expected this.
"You blindsided him," he murmured.
