“I can’t trust easily,” she said.
Nathaniel nodded. “Then don’t.”
The answer startled her.
He continued, “Trust should not be demanded from someone who had hers punished.”
Something inside Clarissa cracked—not from pain this time, but from relief.
Arthur looked away, pretending not to notice the tears gathering in his daughter’s eyes.
That afternoon, the rescue plan went forward.
By evening, the media shifted its headline.
VANCE GLOBAL STEPS IN TO SAVE CROSS HOLDINGS EMPLOYEES AFTER CHARITY SCANDAL.
Julian saw the announcement from a hotel room after being advised not to return to the mansion.
His name was not in the headline.
That hurt him more than hatred would have.
Chloe called him seventeen times.
He answered on the eighteenth.
“You need to tell them I didn’t know,” she cried.
Julian stared at the skyline.
“And did you?”
She went silent.
Then she whispered, “I knew enough.”
