CHAPTER 54: ROHAN

Rohan waits all night in a parked plane for Savannah to return from the Devil’s Mercy, forcing himself to believe she is safe even as Brady grows restless and tries to leave. When Brady threatens to leverage the kitten, the plane’s loudspeaker interrupts, heralding the arrival of the Proprietor, Alastair, who pointedly reminds Rohan he was made to be ruthless, not needlessly cruel.

The Proprietor accuses Rohan of drawing attention to the Mercy and probes whether Rohan will ask about Savannah’s fate. Rohan deflects, and at his cue Brady displays the tattoo clue, while Rohan hints the duchess has her own allegiances. The Proprietor signals Savannah will not return, pressing on Rohan’s attachment as a weakness.

Zella enters and reveals the rule Rohan hid: to become Proprietor, one must renounce all worldly ties. She told Savannah, ensuring Savannah would not come back. Zella also notes her duke is in hospice and spars with the Proprietor over interference and contingency heirs.

Before departing, the Proprietor hands Rohan the kitten and commands him to “flip the switch,” challenging Rohan to sever feeling from strategy. Zella pays Brady with information: Calla loved Brady and Knox, that love was her undoing, and she was tested—and failed—hinting at a fatal or damning outcome. Rohan is left on the edge of choosing ambition over attachment.