I nodded in agreement.

"The Huffman family lacks culture," Anson admitted frankly.

It dawned on me why he regarded Jared differently. Jared was both scholarly and martially adept, yet also strong-willed.

Anson continued, "But I overestimated him. He picked up vulgar habits from those underlings but behaved obediently in front of me. Some of my trusted men saw through him, and though I was aware, I didn't allow them to gossip.

"He was never cut out for studying. He caused trouble at school and those around me, eager to curry favor, covered for him. Eventually, he became unruly.

"I lectured him several times when I caught him, and though he seemed repentant, he never truly changed his ways.

"So, I sent him to Bermuda to test him. The environment there is like a touchstone. If he couldn't control his desires here, he would be even more reckless elsewhere. Sure enough, it proved true."

Anson sighed heavily, shaking his head incessantly.

"What exactly happened?" I asked, curious abo