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“Yeah, that’s what I thought. It shocked the shit out of me when she served me with divorce papers out of the fucking blue.”

“Wow. You were blindsided?”

“Yes. And she was resolute. I got on my knees and begged her. She left anyway. Once I get this project off the ground, I will too.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be able to manage it from afar?”

“I’ll try. But I promise if it’s not working, I’ll man up and come back. This project is personal, this was my stomping ground in high school. I can’t believe it’s sitting abandoned. This part of Southwest Houston needs a new, upscale, and versatile retail center. Sharpstown is an ideal location, and the structure’s bones are sound.”

“I can’t wait to see it.”

CHAPTER 38

SMOKING GUN

Jules

Despite that hiccupat the beginning, Omar’s plan worked incredibly well. I circled the block once to give him and Noah time to leave and just pulled back up to the house. I park my car in the back where it appears the house staff parks and hope no one notices one odd car out of the dozen sitting there.

Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood, where the Royales live, is masterplanned, just like Rivers Wilde but with an entirely different vision. This is not a place where everyone is welcome. The mansions that line River Oaks Blvd are modern renditions of the sprawling estates England is famous for. The Royales’ home is right off the main street and the biggest home I’ve ever been inside of.

The family clearly has a lot of faith in their neighbors and the distance of the house from the street, because the front door is unlocked. I walk right in and book it up the stairs and am already on the landing when I hear a man’s voice call for someone. Dina’s intel said she was cloistered in a suite at the end of thehall. I hurry toward the door, my heart racing, my skin slick with sweat, and the recorder on my phone on.

I knock lightly on the door, and a woman calls, “Come on in, Trixi.”

I don’t know who Trixi is, but I’m not going to walk away now. Not when I am so close to something I hadn’t imagined possible. I step into the dark, cavernous room. All the curtains are drawn, and but for a small light on the side of the bed, it might as well be evening.

“You’re very early today, but I’m glad of it. This book Silas bought me is a—Who are you?” Her almost lazy drawl turns into a sharp, urgent bark. She sits up and reaches over on her bedside.

“Please don’t call anyone. I’m not here to hurt you. My name is Crown Jewel Hayford, and I think you knew my father.”

Her hand freezes, hovering over the phone beside the bed. “What did you say?”

I repeat myself, and she deflates, falling back on the bed. “How did you find me? I thought…you were in prison.” Her voice loses all of its energy.

My heart stutters. “You… How do you know who I am?” I’m shocked.

“I knew your father. I’ve seen your picture.”

“Can I please turn on a light so I can see?”

“Nora?” a man’s voice calls from outside the door.

“Get in there,” she hisses and points at a door to the left of her bed.

“Why?”

“If he finds you here, he’ll call the police. Go, hurry,” she orders, her reed thin arm pointing toward the door.

I do as I’m told. As soon as I shut the door, she calls, “Come on in, Silas.”

I press my ear to the door. “I’m running late to meet Noah and a potential investor. I wanted to make sure you had everything you need.”

“I’m fine, honey. Thank you.”

“Are you sure, sweetheart? You look a little pale.”

“I’m tired. I was drifting off when you knocked.”