I had to keep Johnson here. He was my ace in the hole.

As for why I didn't insist on keeping everyone else, I wanted to leave myself an escape route. I wanted Matthew to reconsider his actions without pushing him to the point of no return.

To my surprise, the next person to speak up was Henry, Matthew's father.

"Why bring this mess into the office? Can't it be discussed at home? It seems like people have lost their sense of decorum," Henry said in a commanding tone, his nose in the air.

I spoke respectfully but firmly, "Dad, is that directed at me? You'll see soon enough if I have 'decorum.' But you should listen and watch closely. Who lacks decorum here?"

Matthew immediately grew uncomfortable. Perhaps it was because I had never spoken like this since joining the Murphy family. They were used to my soft-spokenness.

I stood up and said, "Matthew, are you accustomed to my mild nature? Do you think I'm a pushover? Do you think you can take advantage of me wherever you please?"

My