Gable asked.

“My contract gives me terminal leave through December,” I said.

Victoria set the heavy pitcher down with a soft thud that splashed juice across the white tablecloth.

“Walter always worried about her future,” Victoria said, her voice dropping into a gentle, tragic tone for Mrs.

Gable’s benefit.

“He thought of her as his quiet charity project, really.

That’s why we’re handling all the corporate transitions ourselves.

Chloe is the sole heir to the Sterling estate, of course.”