The Woman in Silver
Chapter 13 - The Woman in Silver
Celeste requested a private meeting before prosecutors filed charges.
Adrian refused privacy.
The meeting took place in a conference room with attorneys, investigators, and a court reporter present.
“You can prevent this from becoming ugly,” she said.
Adrian almost laughed.
“It became ugly when you told my son no one would believe him.”
Celeste blamed her assistant.
She blamed the consultant.
She blamed Grace for encouraging Oliver’s dependence.
Finally, she blamed Adrian.
“You wanted a wife who could manage everything you ignored.”
Adrian did not deny it.
“I did.”
Celeste looked surprised.
“I gave you access because responsibility was easier to delegate than fatherhood. That was my failure.”
Her confidence returned.
“Then we both made mistakes.”
“No.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“I made negligence possible. You turned it into a plan.”
The distinction ended the negotiation.
Celeste offered to return the ring, resign from the merger, and issue a private apology.
As she left, Celeste looked at Grace.
“You won.”
Grace shook her head.
May you like
“Oliver was heard. That is not the same thing.”
For the first time, Celeste had no answer.
