Chapter 2 - The Lockdown
My mother finally raised her chin, her expression hardening from nervous guilt back into aristocratic defiance.
"She doesn't belong in our world, Daniel," my mother said coldly, her voice entirely devoid of remorse. "She's an orphan with no background, no breeding, and no portfolio. She is carrying a Hayes heir. She needed to be broken in so she learns how to properly manage our legacy."
Audrey buried her face in my chest, sobbing softly against my lapel while her entire body shook. I wrapped my arms around her protectively, shielding her from the woman who had birthed me.
"Get your things, Helen," I said, not looking back at the nurse. "You have five minutes to clear your belongings and get out of my house."
Helen scoffed, crossing her arms. "Your mother pays my salary, Mr. Hayes—"
"My name is on the deed, the bank accounts, and the security systems," I interrupted, my voice lethal. "If you are still breathing inside this house in six minutes, I will ensure you never work in healthcare, domestic care, or any licensed profession in this country again."
Helen’s arrogance evaporated. She grabbed her leather handbag and scurried past us toward the front door without uttering another word.
My mother watched her leave with a look of disdain. "You are making a monumental mistake, Daniel. You are letting a common girl manipulate you."
I didn't yell. I didn't throw a tantrum. I simply walked over to the smart-home control panel by the foyer entrance, entered my master administrator override code, and tapped a single command.
Lockdown Mode: Activated.
All exterior smart-locks clicked shut simultaneously. The heavy steel security shutters rolled down over the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, plunging the foyer into a dim, amber-lit perimeter glow.
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My mother’s eyes widened slightly as she heard the heavy mechanism lock. "What are you doing? Open these doors immediately. I have a charity gala to attend at eight o'clock."
"You aren't going anywhere, Mother," I said quietly, guiding Audrey toward the grand staircase. "Tonight, we are going to have a family meeting. And you are going to tell me every single person who helped you turn my home into a prison camp."
