I allow myself a small smile. “Because I understand what motivates him now. He cares about legacy—not the bloody one his father wants, but building something his daughter can inherit without shame.”
“So why are you here without his knowledge?” Reynolds presses.
It’s supposed to be a gotcha question. But I counter with honesty—the most disarming weapon in a world of liars. “Because I love him too much to watch him struggle between who he was raised to be and who he wants to become. I’m cutting the f*****g Gordian knot for him.”
Carver studies me, still wary. “You do realize you’re playing a dangerous game? If your husband discovers this meeting—”
“If my husband discovers this meeting, he’ll be furious that I took this risk. But deep down, he’ll understand why I did it.” I stand, straig
