He watched her with affection. For the first time since last night, he was out of that dark alley, away from those hateful eyes, the cruel hand around his throat, and the overwhelming fear. He felt pride. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be a parent. For all her flaws and stubborn mistakes over the past months, Pippa had grown and he knew that she would grow still. At last he understood his own father's steadfastness and patience when he was an insufferable young man. He'd go to any length to make sure Pippa landed on her feet.

"You needn't scrub floors to do something meaningful and productive. You have a good head on you, don't forget that, and a fortune at your disposal. That's a very privileged position. Get someone to teach you the ins and outs of your father's business and get a good financial advisor, and you would make a fine business woman. That's hard work too, make no mistake. But you could change many lives for the better."