“Only when it benefits you,” I said.

She snapped the mirror shut.

The sound was like a small pistol shot in the quiet room.

“We have invested too much in your brother’s upcoming venture to let your public tantrums devalue the family brand,” she said.

“Derek’s venture?” I asked. “The real estate fund?”

“It is a green infrastructure fund,” she said, her voice dropping into a dangerous, measured tone.

“Which relies heavily on the credibility of the Mitchell name,” she added.

“And your association with Solar Reach,” my father chimed in.

I looked between them, the pieces falling into place.

“You want to use my company’s reputation to launch Derek’s fund,” I said.

“It is a family endeavor,” Helen said.

“I am not giving Derek my backing,” I said.

“You will,” she said. “Or you will find out just how cold the world can be without us.”

She took a deep breath, her chest rising under the tailored cream suit.

“This speech today has already raised questions among our investors.”

“They think you are unstable,” she said. “Unpredictable.”

“I am the most stable thing in this family,” I said.