Cassian left the hidden room and walked through a narrow hallway that connected to the private section of the house. He chose not to use the main stairs because he did not want Elise to have even a moment to prepare a story before he arrived.
When he reached the corner near the bedroom, he saw Elise standing right in front of the locked door to Grace Walker’s room. Elise had already placed the golden key into the lock and was turning it slowly with complete confidence.
Cassian spoke in a firm voice that carried through the hallway.
“Do not open that door at this moment because I am standing right here.”
Elise stopped for a second and slowly turned her head toward him with an expression that showed surprise but also control.
She tried to speak softly and said, “Cassian, I can explain everything that you are misunderstanding right now.”
Cassian stepped closer and answered without hesitation, “Give me that key immediately and do not say anything else.”
Elise tightened her fingers around the key and replied, “Your daughters are confused because Laura is influencing them and I am only trying to protect this family.”