“We’re leaving,” I said quietly.
Helen smiled, clearly satisfied.
“It’s probably for the best,” she replied aloud. “After all, this is my house.”
The words echoed across the deck.
My house.
I noticed Maverick’s lips curl slightly, almost as if he found something amusing.
Then he pulled out his phone.
“Before we go,” he said calmly, “I need to talk to Reed for a moment.”
My brother hurried over, confused and embarrassed. The nearby guests pretended not to look, though they were all listening clearly.
“What’s going on?” Reed asked.
“It’s about the house,” Maverick said.
“The house?” Reed frowned.
“The lease,” Maverick clarified.
Reed looked even more confused.
“What lease?”
Maverick turned the phone toward him.
“Do you remember the name of the company listed on your lease?”
Reed hesitated.
“Ironwood Holdings… I think.”
“Right,” Maverick replied.
Then he pointed at the screen.
“Read this.”
Reed leaned closer and began to read aloud. “Internal directive… President V. Miller… approve exception for Reed Foster… freeze the rent indefinitely…”
His voice slowed.
His face paled.
