Nobody tore up the agreement at the clerk’s desk because my possible father had a company worth more than Patrick’s.

When I stood, Gavin did not take my elbow until I said he could.

Two women from his security team accompanied us through the building at the court staff’s direction.

Their presence felt conspicuous.

I would have preferred to leave through an ordinary door without everyone watching.

Gavin noticed me looking toward the steps.

“We can wait,” he said.

“I want to leave.”