"I found the name in an old company document," I said, keeping my voice steady even as my wrist still throbbed from his grip. "I didn't know it meant anything to you. I'm sorry I brought it up."
Gideon stared at me for a long moment, searching my face for the lie I was working hard to hide.
"It's fine," he said, releasing a breath, his shoulders dropping like a man setting down a weight. "Desmond was a difficult chapter, that's all. Someone your father trusted who turned out to be less honest than he seemed. I don't like being reminded of it."
"I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't." He reached across the table and covered my hand with his, the charming husband sliding back into place like a mask he'd set aside for only a moment. "Forget I reacted that way. It's been a long week for
