CHAPTER 2: The Car That Refused to Turn Back

Camilla watched from the rear window, pearl earrings bright against the dark leather seat.
She had asked Preston twice if this was necessary. Not because she felt guilty, but because scandal was a dirty word in the rooms she preferred. Preston had said the old man was finished, that a missing founder created less trouble than a living one who could still sign his name.
Elias tried to stand straight when Preston set the suitcase on the asphalt beside him.
“My medicine is in the car,” Elias said.
Preston adjusted his cuff. “Your medicine is exactly where the doctors said it belongs. With people competent enough to manage it.”
The back door closed. The locks clicked. Camilla looked away first, and that small cowardice hurt Elias more than Preston’s cruelty.