“Olivia said she would handle the details.”
Daniel nodded.
“That wording matters, but it doesn’t tell us what Alexander understood.”
I looked down at the photograph.
“And the necklace?”
“The auction records show that it was purchased through the company account, then offered for the
fundraiser. Alexander raised the paddle himself, and he chose to give it to Olivia.”
“Even if someone else arranged for it to be bought?”
“Even then.”
His answer was gentle, but firm.
I folded my arms across my stomach.
The distinction mattered.
It did not make the image of Alexander fastening the necklace around Olivia’s neck any less real, but it complicated the story I had been repeating to myself.
Daniel closed the file.
“I’m not asking you to change your boundaries because there may be another explanation. I’m asking you not to let anyone—including Alexander—use uncertainty to hurry you.”
