“It’s an offer of assistance, not a demand.”
“I don’t even know you.”
“You’re right. And you shouldn’t have to trust me simply because I have money.”
He calmly returned the check to his pocket.
Clara looked surprised.
“I’ll arrange for the immediate needs to be handled through a legitimate assistance process, with no obligation to work for my company or participate in the investigation,” he said. “If you’re comfortable accepting help, we’ll put everything in writing. If you’re not, we won’t proceed.”
She looked toward Lily’s crib.
The baby was sleeping peacefully.
Clara’s shoulders sagged.
“I don’t want pity.”
“Neither do I,” Ethan replied. “And I don’t think you need it.”
She frowned.
“Then what do you think I need?”
“A chance to stand on your own feet again.”
For the first time, Clara looked directly into his eyes.
“That’s all I’ve wanted.”
“Then let’s start there.”
They agreed that the company would arrange an independent review of her dismissal, while any emergency financial assistance would be handled separately and transparently. Clara would not have to repay it by accepting a job, and her cooperation with the investigation would not depend on whether she accepted the money.
