Later that evening, Alexander waited by the downstairs, waiting for Ella to come down so they could leave for Henry's birthday dinner. Marcus approached him, his expression unusually grave.
"Sir," Marcus said in a low voice, "we've received an update about the Matriarch's father. He's said to be very ill."
"What?" Alexander asked, already moving. "Come with me."
He headed outside. There was no way he would risk Ella overhearing their discussion. Once they were a safe distance from the entrance, Alexander turned to Marcus, "Explain. What do you mean by very sick?"
Marcus hesitated. "Our men couldn't get full access to information. But Mr. Thompson rarely leaves his residence except for when he took short walks. Medical teams are said to have have been coming in and out of their home regularly. All his staff appears to be full-time caregivers, and his assistant is said to have also moved in with his wife."
Alexander's jaw clenched. "Why wasn't this reported sooner?"
