Livia is confident that if Henry could completely have his way, she and Cornelia would be escorted out of the premises most unceremoniously. He would probably even summon the paparazzi to add salt to the wound while throwing them out.
He is someone who will, if the circumstances allow, definitely stoop as low as legally possible.
That is just how vicious the old man is and that is exactly why the media adores him like vultures love carcassess. His four divorces from heiresses and actresses were all high-profile cases that have solidified his reputation as an astute businessman but a petty and spiteful partner who will not hesitate to use his massive influence for revenge.
It is a wonder that there are still women who do not mind marrying him.
Luckily, intervention comes in the form of Raylen's rushed whispers to several trusted servants—which obviously does not include Mr Leed. The butler will not be loyal to Raylen until Henry dies. And even then, his dedication is not guaranteed.
Raylen bends slightly to whisper into Alisha's ears, and she nods quickly in understanding.
Not that Livia is particularly grateful for that. 'This is the least,' she thinks, 'he can do as a father. He does not deserve thanks for doing the bare minimum just because his father is worse.'
However, she must admit that she is relieved Raylen has not inherited Henry's propensities. The only wives to escape relatively unscathed are the late heiress Linda Vander and retired actress Glynis Carrington.
And the former only managed to do so by dying young of brain cancer at the tender age of twenty-nine.
"Little Miss," Alisha says brightly while taking a green rabbit plushie out of a suitcase for Cornelia to hold. "Do take care of Mr Rabbit Ribbit while you're out adventuring with Young Madam."
"Of course!" Cornelia exclaims with great seriousness as if she is receiving an important mission from her beloved maid.
Cornelius is following his sister around like a lost puppy. Livia doesn't believe that he is doubting her story, but he knows he will miss his sister. He is treasuring their final—for now at least—moments together.
"You're getting in the way," Cornelia complains with a huff.
"I'm sorry," Cornelius says in a small voice and looking more and more like a kicked puppy. After a beat he adds, "I will miss you."
"I will miss you too." Cornelia's voice softens as she ruffles his red, wavy hair. "And Papa. I will miss Papa."
"And I will miss you and Mama."
"It's okay." Cornelia tries to be brave. "We will see each other soon. Let's not be sad and make Papa and Mama worry."
Livia tries to appear happy—she does not want her children to spot any inconsistency about this so-called game. At the same time, she genuinely is grateful to have such sweet children.
She takes a quick peek at Raylen to see if he shares her sentiments.
His expression is not as stony as it usually is.
The trip to the Sicaster Airport is long as it is on the other end of their rather big city. Livia lets Cornelia rest her little head on her lap while patting her to sleep. Cornelius is snuggled up against his father, but one of his hands is on the hem of his sister's skirt.
Both are wearing custom-made clothing. Cornelius is in a sailor suit and Cornelia is in a matching sailor dress.
The children are exhausted. Henry may not have gotten complete satisfaction from this matter, but he still finds ways to make it difficult. He had Mr Leed order early plane tickets to Labar. It is still only six in the morning, a good three hours before the children's usual waking time.
Livia suspects that the old man expected the twins to make a fuss. To cry or whine or throw a tantrum—any excuse for him to complain about Livia's parenting and criticise Cornelia's presence in the household and its effect on Cornelius.
Unfortunately for the geezer, her children are too well-behaved, too kind, too considerate to fall into his schemes.
Livia herself refuses to admit defeat. She is wearing red-soled heels and her favourite black coat dress—it is smartly decorated by square filigree buttons that sparkle thanks to the crystals embedded in them. She always feels braver in them.
"It is just cloth," her mother used to say when she derided her interest in fashion. But to Livia, dressing to project a sense of untouchability and invincibility makes her feel, to some extent, untouchable and invincible as well.
Perhaps this is what it means to fake it till you make it.
When the children are both sound asleep, Raylen suddenly, to her surprise, speaks to her. "Everything has been set up for you and Lia in the Labar residence. It's just waiting for your arrival. Kai is already there, making sure that everything is going smoothly."
This is news to Livia. "You sent a lawyer—your most important lawyer actually—to help set up an apartment?"
Raylen laughs quietly as if he is expecting this question. "Yes, yes I did. Kai said he would be glad for a break from paperwork. Besides, while it is technically an apartment, it is also a two-storey penthouse with a massive garden. It will be like living in a landed property, except you get a great view too."
Livia does not know what to say to that. All she can muster up is an almost inaudible "thank you."
"You're welcome," replies Raylen with some warmth in his voice. "On a more serious note, I must ask you to keep Lia away from social media and the news. I will see that Lius is protected the same way. I understand this is what we have always been doing, but I must reiterate its importance now."
Livia feels like something coarse is stuck in her throat. "Why?" she ventures to ask.
"Because," Raylen answers simply, "I have to announce our separation to the media very soon."