[[CW: Victim blaming]]

Anne sighed and looked away for a moment as if to hide her disappointment. Then she looked at Darius again with motherly pity and concern. "Our reputation is money, Darius, dear. I shouldn't have to explain this to you. Investors, bankers, clients, they all consider our reputation and the way associating with us with affect theirs. Surely, you should have learned that much about business by now." She shook her head wearily.

"The scandal with Magnus, well..." her lip trembled. She brought her handkerchief up again. "It does not just affect us personally. It will affect our credit, our relationships, your fathers business. And Pearl... Living on her own in a cottage like some common fish lass. Going to the beach unchaperoned to put herself in harm's way. And picking up a string of gutter-bred lovers... Pearl is actively undermining our status and business... and your inheritance, and your father is either insane enough or malicious enough to allow it."