For the first time,
the bitterness beneath Jason’s polished manners became visible.
He looked toward Ethan’s door.
“When he was reckless, you called him brave. When he ignored procedure, you called him principled. When I held the company together after his accident, you treated me like a temporary inconvenience.”
Vivian said nothing.
Jason laughed quietly, though there was no amusement in it.
“Now he opens his eyes, and suddenly every choice I made is suspicious.”
“Were any of them?” I asked.
His gaze snapped toward me.
“Suspicious?”
“Were any of your choices connected to Northbridge?”
His face closed.
“No.”
“Did you know my father?”
“I knew his name.”
“Before the wedding?”
“Yes.”
The admission surprised me.
“Why didn’t you say so?”
“Because Vivian forbade any discussion of Northbridge until Ethan recovered.”
I turned to her.
“Is that true?”
Vivian’s silence answered.
Anger flared inside me.
“You gave me the key. You told me my
