Reed's POV
"Are you serious?" My blood ran cold instantly. I grabbed Lorelei by the shoulders, staring into her face to catch any hint of deception.
Without missing a beat, Lorelei nodded. "One hundred percent. But listen, I'd never betray you, Reed. There's no chance I'd help them scheme against you."
Fear flickered in Lorelei's eyes—she was clearly anxious that I might not trust her. She rushed to add, "I stayed silent only because I didn't want you thinking I was allied with them.
"But after seeing the board corner you twice, I realized you deserved to know—at least then you can prepare for whatever they're cooking up."
I tightened my grip on her shoulders momentarily, then released her.
"Get some rest," I told her.
I turned toward Romano. "Romano, would you like to stay here with Lorelei, or should we go back to Grandma's place?"
Romano looked up with confusion written across his face. "Dad, are you going back to work?"
I looked down briefly, then gave a nod.
