“It sounds terrible when phrased like that.”
Eleanor’s voice became quiet.
“That is because it was terrible.”
Gavin stepped closer.
“Please. We have been working on this acquisition for months.”
“We have.”
“My partners have invested enormous time.”
“I know.”
“You cannot destroy everything because of one sentence.”
“One sentence did not destroy anything.”
She looked around the office.
“Your priorities did.”
For the first time, I saw Gavin actually panic.
His voice softened.
“Eleanor.”
She raised a hand.
“Do not use my first name.”
He stopped.
She turned to me.
“Christopher, I came here because I wanted to thank you personally.”
“You didn’t need to.”
“I did.”
She reached into her bag.
For half a second, I thought she might offer me money.
I already knew I would refuse.
