“You saved us tonight,” she admitted, her voice low. “Why do you stay? Everyone else runs.”

Emily met her gaze. “Because I don’t run when things are hard.”

Victoria studied her, then gave a small, almost reluctant smile. It was the closest thing to softness Emily had ever seen on her face.

In the next weeks, the relationship between the two women transformed. Victoria no longer barked orders; she made requests. She asked Emily’s opinion on dinner menus and event planning. Andrew noticed too, remarking once at breakfast, “You seem calmer these days, Victoria. I wonder why.”