“You had complete information about his character.”

“Character does not pay creditors.”

Matthew opened another folder. “The creditors have already been paid.”

Amelia stared at him. Franklin placed a signed release on the table. “Mr. Mercer discharged the entire Belmont Maritime debt this morning. Unconditionally.”

Rebecca looked down at the document. “The trust money hasn’t been released yet.”

“It doesn’t need to be,” Matthew said.