“You will be working with the field installation team,” I said. “You will carry panels, wire microgrids, and dig trenches in ninety-degree heat.”

“I can do that,” he said.

“The engineers out there are tired, they are overworked, and they do not like nepotism,” I said. “If you complain once, or if you use our name to get out of a task, you are done.”

“I understand,” he said.

“Your pay will be the standard entry-level wage for an apprentice installer,” I said. “No bonuses. No stock options.”

“Agreed,” he said.

“And you do not talk to Mother about anything that happens inside these walls,” I said, my voice dropping. “Not a single detail about our supply chain, our finances, or our technology.”

Derek looked down at his hands, then back up at me.

“She already thinks I’m a traitor for coming here,” he said. “We haven’t spoken since yesterday.”

“Let’s keep it that way,” I said.

My phone buzzed on the desk.

It was a text from Priya.

*Security checked. Van was gone when they arrived. No signs of forced entry, but the perimeter lock on the north gate was cut.*