His words were sharp, a blade of ice, but his actions were undeniably extravagant. The Helwart Foundation donated millions annually, but Michael Helwart never personally oversaw the delivery of canned goods to a crumbling orphanage in the middle of nowhere. The dissonance was jarring.

“It’s not the only path,” Linsy countered, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. “But it’s a real one. And you showing up right after me, with a convoy… it’s not a coincidence, it’s a ...