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Lace wouldn’t do that, would he?

“Am I not going to be reprimanded for my actions yesterday?”

“For what reason?” Mr. Amelle had held a deadpan expression throughout our time together until now. His eyebrows slightly raised, creases forming along his forehead.

“I don’t know. . . I was expecting to get fired, maybe? Of course, it was an accident, but I still put my hands on my employer.”

“I have no clue what you’re referring to, Ms. Eli.” Mr. Amelle’s nostrils flared as he sighed and grew closer. “But understand that anything that occurs in the household remains within such walls. Still, let me advise you on something important.

There are three rules the Sephtis demand all employees to follow.

First, you must never stumble upon them unless they seek you out. Second, you can never look them dead in the eyes as it’s bad-mannered. And third, you can never oppose their verdicts as all decisions rests upon their hands.”

“But—”

“Even if you’ve broken all such rules, and they have said nothing, then you are fine.” An eyebrow stayed raised. “Unless you oppose their indifference, then I could request a meeting, and they will most definitely—”

“No!” I shouted, my voice louder than I had expected. “No, I just— I wanted to clarify that what occurred yesterday was a mistake. It will never happen again.”

Mr. Amelle parted from my side and raised his head. “Then I will relay your message to clear any misunderstandings. If that’s all, your duties start today.” A shadowed smile adorned his face while he bowed. “I look forward to working with you, Ms. Eli.”

ChapterSix

ALEK SEPHTIS

September had come to an end, October settling before I could wind down and accept the true start of fall. Surely there was no drastic change in the season as it had only been a week since the new month’s arrival, but I yearned for the shift in the wind that heaved an appealing warmth. The ease of the air as it wandered through leaves and branches. It was the beginning of a new cycle, one that I had been looking forward to, yet, other pressing matters stripped my attention.

I’d been caged in my chamber since my meeting with Kaleb, unable to leave until a scheme was in place. Restless hours had long been wasted on pondering ideas that led to dead ends. Seeking Tristan’s help proved to be insufficient, as we were both dumbfounded.

Each of us had our own positions when it came to devising and performing the schemes. Christopher was the overseer, and his purpose was only to receive the final form of the gag. Noah was the leader, the one responsible for the schemes’ mechanics. Kaleb was the implementer, the sole brother to carry every scheme into full effect, and whose capabilities allowed each one to succeed no matter how practical or ridiculous it was.

I was the informant, called upon to retrieve viable information and to document them while in action. Jacque was the strategist, his position entitling him to materialize all possible detours a scheme could take. Jacob was the consultant, rarely asked to determine all the positive and negative outcomes that a gag could create. And Raphael was the puppet, the last resort when a scheme was failing, though it was rare.

Never had our positions been altered, another routine that was durable throughout the years since my brothers weren’t fond of change. Yet, Kaleb tasked me with devising the scheme.

With a twist of luck, there was no more hiding in the shadows.

I was expected to get rid of the new guardian. To ruin not only the woman but also the CEG. Because it wasn’t just her who insulted him by putting her hands on him, but the CEG. The arrival of every new private guardian was a slap to Kaleb’s face and his eloquent gags. It fortified the notion that even with all the power he had as a Regal and as the third oldest, he was nothing compared to That Man.

Tristan entered my chamber and swiftly ascended the stairs onto the second floor. A sliver of light peeked through the blinds and caressed my skin as I rose from the bed, the heat itching against my chest while I walked to the nearest dresser.

Tristan unbuttoned his suit and toppled onto the onyx bench at the end of my bed. “Did I disturb your sleep?” Fortunately, in my chamber, we didn’t have to worry about our façades. It was the only space in the entire premises where we had a tinge of privacy. But that meant we had to use it wisely and as a last resort.

“Of course not,” I said as I grabbed a pressed button-down shirt. “Rarely have I gotten a wink of rest, particularly now due to Kaleb.”

“Has he called for you?”

“No.” The button-down wrapped around my body, the fabric loose while I fastened the plain front. “Did any of my brothers notice you?”

Tristan shook his head as he tapped the small receiver in his right ear, the wire hiding behind his lobe and neck. “I checked their whereabouts. Noah and Kaleb are in the feeding spaces for their sessions, while the twins are inside the entertainment cave. Christopher and Raphael are still in their rooms, but the eldest should be heading into the library soon. That gives us a few minutes to discuss any issues you’re having.” His head turned to me. “What do you want to address first?”

“The most important matter,” I stated while I began pacing. “I have yet to decide on a scheme. Kaleb won’t feel generous to bestow me more time since it’s already been a week. I also can’t risk taking longer since it may jeopardize my feeding privileges.”

Christopher administered feedings since we were required to feed on hospital grounds until he deemed we were ready for private clientele. But in recent months, he’d handed full control of our feeding schedules to Noah.

Although he was generous to an extent, he was imperiled by Kaleb’s influence. While Noah believed the task was a chore, one that suspended the period he’d use for swimming, Kaleb was willing to shoulder that burden. This way, Kaleb had an added method to manipulate me to his bidding.

“Well, I can’t help you with that. Your brothers are ruthless when working together. They know how to design and implement any plan that’ll rule in their favor. They’retoodriven.”