~LAYLA~
The door clicked shut behind my father, but his last words remained with me. You have no idea who he really is.
I was still standing there when Helena appeared again, lingering just outside the doorway, and looking pale. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. O'Brien," she blurted, clutching her tablet against her chest like it was a shield. "I tried to stop him. I really tried to…"
Axel's gaze snapped to her. "It was your responsibility to call security before he made it this far. That is part of your job."
Helena's voice faltered. "I—I know. But he told me he's her father and I didn't think he—"
"That's my point, Helena. You didn't think," Axel cut in sharply. "And that lapse could've put my wife in danger. I don't keep people who can't do their jobs."
Her shoulders sagged, and I could see the panic in her eyes.
"Axel…" I started, but he was already dismissing her with a curt nod toward the door.
