Her words twisted Jason’s thoughts into a knot of relief, guilt, and longing he couldn’t untangle.

“Chelsea, listen.” He drew a shaky breath. “Go back to the Rainsworth family. Give me one year. In twelve months, I’ll build something that convinces your parents I’m worthy. Then we can be together openly—no more hiding, no more struggling.” He wanted to spare her the grinding poverty of his still-fragile dreams.

Chelsea shook her head. “That won’t work.”

She stepped closer, standing toe-to-toe with him, her eyes bright with conviction.