"Relax, Mom, Dad. Even if the police show up, even if God himself walks through that door, Abigail's never getting that money back."

My parents hesitated. "But it's her settlement. When the police get here, they really won't do anything?"

"Of course not." Ethel's face was smug, her voice dripping with certainty. "Because that money was given on my account in the first place."

"Getting hurt on a construction site? A hundred thousand in compensation, tops. The only reason Stephens Group shelled out that kind of cash is because Logan Stephens has a thing for me. He was trying to get on my family's good side!"

"Logan Stephens?" My father's eyes went wide. "You mean the CEO of Stephens Group? The one who's better looking than a movie star?"

"Stephens Group has operations all over the world. They must be worth billions. And he... has a thing for you?"

My parents stared, stunned speechless for a moment, then broke into beaming smiles, falling over themselves to praise Ethel for being so impressive.

I could only marvel at the absurdity. "Ethel and Mr. Stephens don't have the slightest connection. She has the nerve to say it, and you two actually believe it?"

My mother jumped to Ethel's defense immediately. "Why wouldn't we believe it? She's my own precious daughter. I know her better than anyone. Every time Ethel owed gambling debts, she told me right away. Every cent, accounted for. That proves our Ethel is honest and pure-hearted. She never lies!"

My father nodded with absolute conviction. "Your settlement was suspiciously generous. I'd been wondering about that. Now it all makes sense!"

I nearly laughed from sheer disbelief. I couldn't help but think back to the day of my accident, when Logan Stephens, a man known for being untouchable and remote, had eyes so red they looked like a rabbit's. He'd held me in a grip that nothing could pry loose, swearing he'd take responsibility for me for the rest of his life.

In the sunlight, the tips of his ears had turned the color of ripe tomatoes.

I couldn't stop myself from pointing out the obvious. "Has it occurred to either of you that the settlement was so large because of me? I'm the one who's worked at Stephens Group for years. I'm the one who's been by Mr. Stephens' side all this time."

A flicker of hesitation crossed my parents' faces.