Nora swallowed.
"I should have told you about that too."
"Why didn't you?"
She considered the question.
"At first, because you didn't ask about my work."
He raised an eyebrow.
She looked down.
"That's not a good enough answer."
"No."
She took a breath.
"Then I became afraid that if you knew, you'd see a different person."
Daniel stared.
"You were afraid I'd want your money?"
"Partly."
He leaned back.
"After I fixed your motorcycle for free?"
Nora winced.
"I know how it sounds."
He looked toward the untouched coffee.
She continued.
"Daniel, I've spent decades dealing with people who approach me because they want access, money, investment, introductions, or status. I've learned to be careful."
He nodded.
"I can understand that."
"But I used that fear to justify keeping things from you."
She looked directly at him.
"And that was wrong."
Daniel was quiet.
Then he asked, "What about the garage?"
Nora's face changed.
He noticed.
"Tell me everything."
She folded her hands in her lap.
"One of my company's property subsidiaries was evaluating several industrial sites near Bellweather before I returned."
Daniel stared.
"I didn't know the garage was among them until last week."
"Last week?"
"Yes."
"And you didn't tell me."
She shook her head.
"I intended to. I was going to explain everything the day you collapsed."
Daniel looked away.
Nora continued.
"I asked for the proposal to be paused pending an independent review, and I disclosed my personal connection. I won't make the investment decision myself."
He looked back.
"Could you stop them from taking the garage?"
She hesitated.
"I have considerable influence, but I shouldn't use it secretly to produce a result that serves my personal interests."
Daniel's expression tightened.
"That's a complicated way of saying you might not."
Nora nodded.
"Yes."
For a moment, he stared.
Then he gave a small, bitter laugh.
"Well, at least that's honest."
Her eyes filled.
He looked toward the window.
"I got a letter about the lease before I knew any of this."
"I know."
Daniel turned sharply.
"How?"
"Because I reviewed the proposal after Sonia called me. The site records included the existing lease situation."
He stared at her.
"And you didn't tell me?"
Nora lowered her head.
"I was afraid."
He sat forward.
"Nora, I cannot keep doing this."
She looked up.
He continued.
"Every time I ask a question, there's another thing you were afraid to tell me."
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"I know."
He stood.
For a moment, Nora feared he intended to leave.
But he walked toward the window instead.
He looked across the old garden.
Then spoke quietly.
"When we were kids, I trusted you more than anybody."
Nora bowed her head.