By dinner time, Emma's peaceful recovery had transformed into barely controlled chaos. Franklin had arrived with not just Walter, but his day nurse, night nurse, physical therapist, chef, and enough medical equipment to stock a small clinic.

"I thought you were bringing essentials," Emma said, watching from her doorway as staff arranged Franklin's things in the guest suite.

"These are essentials," Franklin replied from his wheelchair—used for transport only, as he insisted on walking whenever possible. "A man has standards."

"A man has a luxury hospital room in his own home," Emma muttered.

Alek appeared beside her, expression sheepish. "I may have underestimated the scale of the operation."

"You think?"...