Noah heard it in my silence. “You are not foolish because someone misled you,” he said, gentler. “But you need independent counsel immediately. Can the marriage give Daniel control of Bennett Marine?”

“Not by itself. But it could create leverage — depending on trusts, voting rights, inheritance provisions, or anything your father signed.”

“My father is meeting Daniel’s legal team today.” Noah swore, then apologized. “What did the assistant mean, telling you to speak to your father?”

“I don’t know.”

“Call your mother.”

“My mother died six years ago.” It came out sharper than I intended. Noah went quiet; he had loved her too. “I’m sorry,” he said. “So am I.”