But I also saw that Silas could hear the word no without turning cruel.

I stayed because leaving that night would only add another chaotic choice to a week already full of them.

I told him I was staying for myself, not for his money.

He said he understood.

Before bed, he gave me a written disclosure of his company interests and the independent lawyer’s number again.

I left both on my bedside table, unable to decide whether they were a doorway or another warning.

PART 7