CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER 43

Caleb's alarm pierced the early morning calm like a scorching knife. He grumbled and swiped at his bedroom table until his fingers found the snooze button, which temporarily silenced the unpleasant sounds.

Caleb allowed himself a few indulgent seconds to lay amidst his rumpled sheets and silk pajamas, squinting against the hazy streams of dawn that filtered through his bedroom window. The advantage of coming from a wealthy family was that he could enjoy leisurely mornings like these while the rest of Willow Creek's peasantry was already racing off to whatever menial task occupied their sad existences.

Of course, such leisurely respites seldom lasted long in the Matthews home. Not when their illustrious family lineage necessitated the ongoing cultivation and upholding of the highest standards in every possible field.

Caleb's eyes rolled up in disgust as he heard a loud tapping on his door. "Yeah, yeah—I'm decent. Julia, you are welcome to come in.

The door flew open, reveal