“If you had let me finish,” Patrick continued, “I’d have said that, in general, I do not wish to speak about my business with Seanna Walsh, but on this topic—and this one alone—I will, because I do not wish either of you to think this might be an impostor. Also, I want to clear up a misunderstanding regarding what you think I did and did not do for Gabriel.”

“Misunderstanding? When I accused you of letting him go through hell as a child, what did you say to me?”

“I have no idea—”

“Oh, I do. Because I will never forget the words. Here’s a hint: steel.”

Do you know how they temper steel, Olivia? The application of controlled heat. As strong as the metal will withstand. That produces the most resilient steel. Too much and it will break. It must be tough, yet slightly malleable. Adaptable to the greatest number of situations. That’s Gabriel.

“You take liberties, Olivia,” Patrick said, his voice heavy with warning.

“Because you allow it…except when it inconveniences you. You’re like the parent who wants to be all buddy-buddy until the kid disrespects him and then, suddenly, it’s off to your room until dinner. Oh, sorry. Wrong analogy. You don’t know anything about parenting.”

“Patrick?” Gabriel said. “You were confirming that, yes, you did know Seanna was alive.”

Patrick took a moment to compose himself and then said, “She contacted me about ten years ago. Ordered me to meet her, or she’d tell the world I was a deadbeat dad. After she abandoned you.”

A roll of his eyes, more himself now as he settled into his story. “I aged my glamour, and we met. I told her that I thought it convenient she returned when you reached the age of majority and could no longer legally expect anything from her. I managed to convince her that she would owe you compensation for those lost years of care. Then I gave her some money and, as I expected, she went away again. Then, a few years ago, she saw your name in the paper and realized you were far more successful than the average twenty-something. So I had to pay her more.”

He looked at Gabriel as if expecting a thank-you.

“I would have appreciated the warning,” Gabriel said, his voice deceptively soft.

Patrick only said, “I meant to,” and then shrugged and added, “I just didn’t get to it,” as if explaining why he’d failed to warn a visitor that the front stoop was slippery.

“Perhaps I have misstepped,” Gabriel said, those pale blue eyes now as chill as his voice. “I have failed to complain or express any displeasure at the fact you hid my paternity from me. It was unproductive. That has led you to believe that I harbor no ill feelings over the situation.”

“I kept her away, Gabriel.”

“I beg your pardon?”