Scarlett steeled herself, her voice cool and measured as she found her tongue. “Thank you, but there's no need. Please convey my well wishes to Uncle Matthew.”

Shifting the straps of her bag, she resumed her path, only to find Ethan exiting the vehicle to intercede.

“There’s no point in resisting,” Ethan said, his smile polite but firm. “Please, Miss Hartman, get in the car. Mr. Hartman doesn’t want anyone to see you leaving like this—it ...