"Exactly," Samuel said. "And it will also establish me as someone who makes bold, unconventional decisions. Someone who sees value where others see only tradition and class barriers."
He looked at his guard seriously.
"That's the kind of reputation I need to build if I'm going to eventually challenge my father's control of this household and the business. People need to see me as a leader who thinks differently, who isn't bound by conventional limitations."
The guard was nodding now, beginning to understand the strategic value.
"And besides all that," Samuel added, his expression becoming more thoughtful, "she's genuinely interesting. In a household full of boring, predictable people following boring, predictable social scripts... she's actually 'interesting'."
He thought back to their conversation.
"She challenged me. Refused my first offer. Demanded better terms. Negotiated like an equal. When's the last time ANYONE in this household did that?"
