The media was gathering.

The board’s leak was already working.

I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts.

I needed someone who was loyal to me, not the board.

I tapped on Arthur’s name.

He answered on the second ring.

“Daniel,” Arthur said, his voice tense. “I’ve seen the news.”

“Marcus is moving faster than we thought,” I said.

“They just sent Vance to Claire’s room with an NDA.”

“Did she sign it?” Arthur asked.

“No,” I said. “And she won’t.”

“But they are going to ruin her reputation by morning.”

“They are calling her an intruder.”

Arthur was quiet for a moment.

“If they establish that narrative, we lose the public battle,” he said.

“And the board will have the leverage to remove you for cause.”

“We need to change the narrative,” I said.

“We need to make her connection to the boys official.”

“What do you mean?” Arthur asked.

“I want to file the guardianship paperwork,” I said.

“I want to name Claire as the twins’ co-guardian.”

“Daniel, that is highly unorthodox,” Arthur said.

“She is the housekeeper.”