Chapter 81

Kate’s voice rose, her frustration palpable. “And what about our values, Drake? What about the example we’re setting for our children? Money can’t buy back our integrity once it’s lost.”

“Hmmmm, you right up,” he realized the weight of his decision. He had been so focused on the immediate gain that he hadn’t fully grasped the long-term repercussions.

“You’re right, Kate. I should have thought it through more thoroughly,” Drake admitted, his voice cracking. “I got caught up in the allure of the offer and didn’t fully consider the impact on our family and on me as a person.”

Kate’s anger softened, replaced by a mixture of concern and disappointment. “Drake, what do you want me to do now? We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ll face them again. But compromising our values, our integrity—it’s not the way to overcome those challenges.”

Drake felt the pain of the words as he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know, Kate. I messed up. I’m so sorry.”