Julian had called in the best specialists he could find to treat Grant.

The Jenkins family voiced their discontent, but the bonds between the Hale and Jenkins clans—joined by the ties of marriage and years of intertwined loyalty—meant they couldn’t afford an open rift, especially with Mr. Carter wedged between them. Peace was maintained.

Yet Grant’s ear never fully healed, and neither did the wounds on Francesca’s heart.

Throughout Grant’s ...