Another clip showed the boys building blocks in the playroom.
Mrs.
Thompson checked her watch.
“Time’s finished.
Put everything away.”
Liam held up a block tower, wanting to show her.
She was already turning toward the door.
The next recording showed Olly laughing when Ruby passed the playroom making the mop dance.
Mrs.
Thompson closed the door.
“Focus on your activity.”
Edward stopped the playback.
Mrs.
Thompson stared at him.
“I maintained the schedule you approved.”
Edward’s answer came slowly.
“I know.”
That hurt more than accusation would have.
Because she was right.
The mansion had become exactly what Edward had ordered it to become.
Efficient.
Quiet.
Controlled.
Mrs.
Thompson had enforced his rules faithfully.
Ruby had broken them accidentally by bringing a personality into the building.
Edward rubbed a hand across his face.
“I asked you to keep them stable.”
“And I did.”
“You did what I asked.”
Mrs.
Thompson lifted her chin.
“Then surely you understand why Ruby cannot remain.”
Edward looked at his sons.
Olly was leaning slightly toward Ruby.
Liam had stopped gripping his brother’s sleeve.
For the first time in years, the boys did not look as if the room belonged to the adults and they were merely occupying it.
Edward turned back.
“No.
I understand why things have to change.”
Mrs.
Thompson went still.
He did not humiliate her.
He did not accuse her of causing the boys’ silence.
That would have been dishonest, and Edward knew it.
Sarah’s death had shattered all of them.
Edward had created the rules afterward.
Mrs.
Thompson had enforced them.
But she also believed those rules should remain.
Edward no longer did.
“I need someone around my sons who can work with a different kind of home,” he said.
“I don’t think that’s what you want.”
Mrs.
Thompson’s mouth tightened.
“After everything I’ve done for this family?”
