"Don't ever question my abilities," I snarl. "You will do exactly as you are told, and nothing more. If you even so much as think about pulling another stunt, I will have you shipped off so fast your head will fucking spin. Is my intention clear enough for you now?"

She shoves back her chair, lip trembling as tears cling to the edges of her eyelids. It's unlike my sister to show such a display of emotion, and for a moment, I question if she is right.

"You think you have it all under control," she sneers. "Yet you don't even realize your sweet, perfect wife has been sneaking in her brother right under your nose."

This information takes me by surprise, and Mercedes shakes her head at me when she sees it.

"She is a traitor. And you'd be wise not to forget it. Not even for a second, Santi. She will ruin you if you let her."

With those words, she disappears, leaving me to my thoughts. Within moments, I find myself scouring the cameras, checking the videotapes of the entrance until I find the undeniable proof. Abel was here. He was in my fucking house. And Ivy is going to pay for it.

I'm halfway down the corridor to her bedroom when Antonia appears in the hall up ahead with a tray in her hands. She startles when she sees me stalking toward her, her lips drawing into a frown when she recognizes the stormy expression on my face.

"Santiago?" She pauses before me. "She is sleeping, sir."

"I don't care." I move to forge on, but Antonia steps into my path, peering up at me with an expression I don't recognize.

"Perhaps, tonight you should let her rest."

My eyes dart over her head, fists clenching at my sides. "No."

It is unlike Antonia to challenge me in this way, and I don't know what to make of her strange behavior, but when she casts her eyes downward, it appears that she feels remorseful for something herself.

"It's my fault, sir."

"What is?" I demand.

"Her brother," she says softly. "That's what this is about, right?"

Her answer surprises and confuses me.

"What do you mean it's your fault?"

"I know all visitors are supposed to be approved by you," she answers, her voice choked with emotion. "But I figured, he is her family. I did not think it would be too much of an imposition."

My tempered breath leaves my lungs in a rush of hot air. "Ivy did not request for him to come here?"

"No, sir. He arrived of his own accord," she assures me.

I drag a hand through my hair and glance over her shoulder once more. I should have known Mercedes was trying to provoke me. And Abel is something I will have to deal with later. But for now, I am content to know that it was not Ivy's doing. At least, not this time.