Aaron decided honesty was best. Gray always appreciated forthrightness, ironically, considering his own duplicity.

"I don't want a murderer near my children, but they aren't here. I don't have a problem with what you did. I'm glad that woman is gone."

Gray's smile was genuinely sincere this time. "And that's all that matters. I did it entirely for you. It's simply annoying that I got caught. Apparently, someone waited until Brann Knighton's reward increased to report me. Some people are so greedy."

He seemed utterly unconcerned about Aaron's involvement. What a relief! Everything had gone exactly according to plan. Aaron would later thank Aiden for his good work.

"I'm surprised you didn't act more cautiously."

Gray sighed dramatically. "That wretched woman surprised me, that's all. I had a foolproof plan, and she ruined it. No matter. I'm determined to get out early on good behavior. I may have lost my business, but I still have my fortune. I can rebuild easily."

That was far too casual an attitude for a murder sentence. Aaron suspected more to the story, but he could do nothing. He had no control over prison life.

"That's a good attitude," he said.

"It's really not so bad in here. The food could be better, though. I'd ask you to bring some from outside if it weren't against the rules. I hope you'll continue visiting."

Aaron was trapped. Weekly visits were permitted; missing that much work was impossible.

"I will, but it might be sporadic. I can promise once a month, but nothing more. Visiting hours are during the workday. A CEO never rests; you should know that."

For a split second, Gray's smile turned bitter before returning to its usual charm. "Yes, I do. I appreciate any time you can give me. So, tell me what else you've been up to."

Aaron spent the rest of the hour recounting the children's antics. He avoided work discussions, fearing Gray might get ideas about taking over Hale Investments upon release.

The worrying part was Gray's capability, previously tempered by disinterest. Now, having lost his empire, would he target Aaron's? Better safe than sorry.

Gray seemed politely amused by the twins. Aaron couldn't tell if he genuinely cared or was merely interested in their connection to him. He hoped for the former; Gray didn't seem to enjoy children; he hadn't even held the twins.

When the guard arrived, Gray's polished demeanor remained. He bid farewell as if they'd enjoyed drinks at a bar.

"See you next month, baby brother! Thank you for coming."

"Bye, Gray. Take care," Aaron replied.

It had been exhausting. A mountain of paperwork awaited. He sighed; it was a very long day.

Gray smiled, watching his brother leave. He'd been unsure if Aaron would come. Aaron's self-righteousness made a visit to a convicted murderer seem unlikely.

Getting him there felt like a victory. Aaron wouldn't have come without gratitude. He appreciated his brother's sacrifice.

Yes, he was in prison, but he'd earned the trust of the most paranoid person he knew. Gray was ascending.

He was confident about early release. He'd cultivated the image of a model prisoner. Some guards felt sorry for him, believing he'd simply lost his head.

Good. That's how he wanted to be perceived. No one needed to know his willingness to kill again if necessary. He felt no regret.

Being caught was inconvenient. If he discovered who'd ratted him out for money, he'd make them wish they were dead.

Losing outside contact wasn't a problem; prison offered new networking opportunities. Seven cellmates with unique skills were at his disposal.

Upon release—and he would be released—he'd build a new empire from the shadows. He was a tech developer, but business was in his blood, like his brother. It was the Hale way.

He hadn't grown up with Alistair Hale, but he and Aaron shared the drive to build, expand, and conquer. He'd leave Hale Investments alone. Let Aaron thrive in the light. Gray preferred the shadows.

The business world held more than one Fortune 15 company. Competing with his brother might be fun.

He could build an empire in a different sector, avoiding threats to Hale Investments, but Aaron would know his capabilities. Perhaps he'd even be proud of his disgraced brother.