It did not make me want to comfort her.
It did make me listen.
“Did Alexander know you were doing this?”
“Not about the apartment or the gifts. He knew the fund existed. He knew it supported employees and
community projects. He didn’t ask me to explain every expense.”
“That was careless of him.”
“Yes.”
“And you used his carelessness.”
“Yes.”
She met my eyes.
“I’m not asking you to forgive me.”
“Good.”
“I know the company is investigating. I’ll answer their questions.”
“You should.”
“I’m sorry I let you believe those gifts were his choices.”
“They were your choices,” I said. “The necklace was his.”
Olivia flinched, then nodded.
“You’re right.”
She left without asking me to carry her apology to Alexander.
I was glad.
That night, I told Daniel what she had said.
He made a note for the record and reminded me that the formal review would determine what could be verified.
