He turned a page.
“You’ve made a strong start.”
“Thank you.”
“I mean it. The board has approved the next phase of your program. You will have the budget you requested, provided the implementation milestones are met.”
Clara smiled.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
They discussed staffing, reporting procedures, and the company’s response to employee complaints. The conversation was professional and focused.
Their relationship had settled into something neither had expected that night.
Ethan respected Clara’s judgment and trusted her to challenge him when necessary.
Clara respected Ethan’s willingness to act when the evidence contradicted what he wanted to believe.
Neither pretended that he had single-handedly rescued her life.
He had opened a door.
She had walked through it, done the work, and built something lasting.
As the meeting ended, Ethan closed the report.
“One more thing. I heard you made a donation to Harbor Grace.”
Clara smiled.
“Someone told you?”
