James’s POV

I met her stare directly, my demeanor calms yet resolute. "What I'm dealing with doesn't involve Rose." "This is my obligation, not hers."

Her lips formed a tight line, and for an instant, I could observe the thoughts churning in her head. My mother was an impressive woman, someone who seldom allowed anything to pass by without notice, and I understood that my response didn't fully meet her expectations.

“James,” she started, her voice tinged with soft urgency, ...