“Forty-two days,” she murmured. “Smile, endure it, and come home with the trust released.”

“You make it sound simple.”

“It is simple. You’re saving the company your father left behind.”

“My father left me more than a company.”

“He left debts.”

Rebecca stiffened. Amelia adjusted the edge of her veil as though performing a tender motherly gesture for anyone watching. “Do not become sentimental,” she whispered.

“Men like him mistake kindness for invitation.”

Matthew stood several feet away, holding his canvas bag, the damaged teddy bear hanging upside down over his shoulder. Samuel approached with a smile polished by years of expensive education.

“I have to admit, Rebecca, this is more dramatic than anything I expected.” She didn’t answer. Samuel looked Matthew up and down. “Construction, isn’t it?”

“Among other things,” Matthew said.

Samuel’s smile widened. “I admire a man who knows his place.”

Rebecca saw something change in Matthew’s eyes. Not shame. Not anger. Recognition — as if Samuel had just confirmed a suspicion. Then it vanished.