Old Mrs. felt her heart soften even more. Young men were just so much easier to handle—thoughtful and obedient.

Suddenly, a serious thought crossed her mind. She pulled her hand back and fixed Dr. Stone with a stern look.

“Is what that woman said true?”

Dr. Stone’s heart skipped a beat. He forced a stiff smile, trying to play dumb.

“What woman? You’re the only woman I care about, Mrs. Farrell. Don’t worry—I’d never betray you. If I did… I wouldn’t survive it.”

If this confession had happened before today, the Old Mrs. might have been delighted and rewarded him generously. But after what happened with Easton earlier, she had...