“Not to mention the fact that Charles would immediately evict Rene and his mom,” her mother pointed out. “Sylvie is doing this for her, too.”

“He’s trying to kick Cricket Darois out of her own house?” Gertie put a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide.

“I believe the problem is the house technically belongs to the company.” Sylvie glanced down at her phone and Rene had texted her that he was almost to the courthouse, which was right across from city hall.

She was going through with this. She could help her friend. She didn’t have to fall madly in love with him.

“Cricket is the one who truly built that house. The framework might have been there, but it was her money that made it into the jewel it is today. Cricket saved the Darois family back in the early eighties when they needed a big influx of cash.” Gertie proved she knew everything about Papillon history.

“I remember when it was undergoing construction on the east wing,” her mother said, and then her eyes went wide and she looked at Sylvie over the contract. “He’s willing to give you this much stock? Do you understand how much money this is?”

To her mother’s credit, she sounded more worried than excited at the idea of millions of dollars falling into her daughter’s hands. “I do, but that only comes to me if we actually stay married. I think he can figure out his problem in less than three years, and then we’ll decide from there.”

Her mother’s eyes got a bit misty. “I raised you right. There are many women who would stay just to get that money.”

“I’m not one of them. I’m doing this to help Rene.”

Her mother sighed and set the contract down. She moved to embrace Sylvie in one of those big hugs that made her feel like she was a kid again and this woman would slay dragons for her. “You’re also doing this for more reasons than simple kindness.” She pulled back and looked to Gertie. “Could you get that contract back to Quaid for us? I would like a couple of minutes alone with my daughter before she jumps in with both feet.”

“Of course.” Gertie took the envelope. “And I’ll clear your schedule. I’ll let everyone know what’s going on. Don’t you worry. Everyone loves Cricket and Rene. This town will close ranks around them, and they’ll help you, too.”

Gertie strode from the office like a woman on a mission.