“Your Honor, this goes to the heart of his character.”

“How can something that happened almost a decade ago comment on his character?”

“Hey, your client is the one who brought up the properties in the Historical Society. The fact that there was a third, potentially profitable property matters when looking to his future.”

“I’ll allow it,” Judge Wilson ruled.

“What can you tell me about the bunkhouse fire?” Milton poked the bear.

Cam’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Our family owns what was the Rose Rowan bunkhouse. It burned down nine years ago. The summer I was nineteen.”

“Were you responsible for this catastrophic loss of a priceless historical site?”

“The fire was ruled accidental.” Cam’s voice hardened.

“And there was no mention of you in that report? Because I have it right here if you’d like to read it.” Milton sifted through his file.

Cam locked eyes with Xander.

“Mr. Daniels?” Milton prompted.

A look of utter betrayal passed over Cam’s features, and my heart sank.

“Mr. Daniels.” Judge Wilson’s voice brought Cam’s focus back to Milton.

“The report says that though the fire was ruled accidental, it was caused by my negligence.” Cam’s jaw flexed.

“And do you agree with that report?” Milton asked.

“Since I’m the one who admitted to it, it would be hard not to, wouldn’t you say?” Cam snapped.

“If you could simply answer the question.” Milton tilted his head slightly.

“I agree with it.”

Milton declared that he had no further questions, and Simon jumped on the chance to redirect. “Camden, how many years did you serve in the United States Army?”

“Nine.”

“And during that time, you served in the Special Forces and managed to get your degree in engineering?”

“I did.”

“Would you say that you had upward potential in income and rank?”

“I would. I’ve already had four job offers for more than six figures a year.”

“And yet you gave that all up for an income far less than that. Why?” Simon prompted.

“Because my father asked for my help.”

“And for the record, could you tell the court which medals you earned during your service?”

Cam tensed and glanced at Xander. “I have a few.”

“Let me be specific. Is it correct that you not only have a Purple Heart but a Bronze Star for heroic actions in combat that not only saved lives but earned you a bullet in the upper arm?”

My jaw dropped an inch. His upper arm? Both were covered in tattoos. He’d been wounded? Awarded one of the army’s highest honors?

“My record will confirm that,” Cam said slowly, looking away.

“But you’ve never told anyone?” Simon asked.

“I got a scratch because I did the right thing in a firefight. That’s not something that should be bragged about. It should simply be assumed that anyone would do the right thing in that situation, not rewarded.”