Chapter 91

A call from the mountain sanatorium had Dominick leaving early that morning. Paul’s condition had worsened. The drive back was tense.

Marissa glanced at him, concern etched on her face. "Don't worry," she soothed. "Grandpa Paul will be fine. I've called Mr. Hansen—he's the best, and he's on his way."

Dominick's voice was flat. "Thanks," he mumbled, staring out the window.

Marissa knew it wasn't just Paul. "Nathaniel and Ms. Sutton looked awfully cozy," she teased. "Think he's interested?"

His brow furrowed in the car's reflection. He pulled out his phone and dialed.

At Beaumont Villa, Morris Beaumont was enjoying breakfast when Dominick called. "Mr. Vanderbilt, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked smoothly. The impending partnership demanded diplomacy.

"Nathaniel's got too much free time," Dominick said, cutting straight to the chase. "Find him something to do."

Morris froze. This wasn't about the partnership. "Didn't Nathaniel just have his club's grand opening?" he asked cautiously. "Dominick was even there."

"Nothing much," Dominick replied, his tone icy. "He's wasting time."

Morris knew the Beaumonts and Vanderbilts were equals in Harrowfell, but the Vanderbilts held the upper hand in this deal. They could easily pull out.

Morris’ heart pounded, but his voice remained steady. "Of course. I'll handle it."

"Good," Dominick said. "Make it somewhere far. I don't want to see him for a while."

After the call, Morris sat stunned. Byron Beaumont, Nathaniel’s grandfather, broke the silence. "What did the Vanderbilt heir want?"

Morris' expression shifted. "He wants me to keep Nathaniel busy...far away."

Byron frowned. "Did that boy tick Dominick off at the party?"

Morris shook his head. "They got along fine in high school."

"Should we ask Nathaniel?" Morris suggested.

Byron dismissed the idea. "What's the point? He messed up. We can't afford slip-ups with this deal. Send him somewhere far off for experience."

Morris readily agreed. "Perfect timing. We just finished the Brightmoor factory. He can oversee that."

Byron sighed, losing his appetite. "That kid...never a dull moment."