I had originally planned to use this opportunity to probe Zachary a bit, but who knew he'd be so sharp? As soon as he caught on to my question, he immediately waved his hand dismissively.

"This is just a case-by-case analysis," he said. "I'm not like her. Marriage is a serious matter to me. But Sophia? She just wants security, and for her, that security comes from money and an older man who'll spoil her."

"Your guard is up—you're being cautious with me." Since ...