The 24-year-old woman had been forced by her stepmother into a bedroom with one of her business partners. Terrified, she escaped and climbed into a stranger’s car… never knowing that one desperate choice would change her life forever.

The project was not named after Matthew.

It was not a monument to the man who had rescued her.

It was Elena’s work, built from her own decisions.

Matthew arrived shortly before the opening ceremony, carrying a small package.

“You’re late,” she said.

“By four minutes.”

“Five.”

“I see the businesswoman in you has become very strict.”

She smiled.

“Someone has to keep you organized.”

He handed her the package.

Inside was a silver necklace.

Elena stared at it.

For one painful instant, she remembered the necklace Isabel had straightened before pushing her toward the bedroom. She remembered the cold fingers, the locked door, and the feeling that her entire future had been decided without her permission.

Matthew noticed her expression immediately.

“We can return it,” he said. “I didn’t realize the design might remind you of that night.”

Elena touched the delicate chain.

“No. It’s beautiful.”

She looked up at him.