Eleanor’s expression remained calm. “He can try. But the authorization trails are his. If Ms. Avery was misled, she may become cooperative very quickly.”
I thought of Sloane’s face when she realized the payments were not what Preston had claimed. The thought did not bring satisfaction.
It brought complication.
My father studied me. “You’re feeling sorry for her.”
“No.”
He lifted an eyebrow.
I sighed. “Perhaps a little.”
“She tried to humiliate you.”
“Yes.”
“And still?”
“And still, I know what it is to believe Preston when he speaks softly.”
Mason looked away first.
My father’s hand fell to mine. “That is why you are stronger than he understood.”
A knock came at the door.
Eleanor opened it slightly. A hotel security manager stood outside, uncomfortable but composed.
“Mrs. Hale,” he said. “Ms. Avery is asking to speak with you privately.”
Mason immediately said, “No.”
My father said nothing.
I rose slowly. “Where is Preston?”
“In a conference room with Mr. Bradshaw and two members of his board,” the manager replied. “Ms. Avery is in the library. She appears upset.”
Mason shook his head. “Victoria, absolutely not.”
I looked at my brother. “She may know things.”
“Then Eleanor can speak with her.”
“She asked for me.”
“That doesn’t mean you owe her anything.”
He was right.
But not all meetings are about what is owed.
Some are about what is unfinished.
“I’ll go,” I said. “Eleanor can stay within hearing distance.”