Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T BE BOUGHT
Graham requested a meeting with Eleanor.
Through their attorneys.
She agreed.
They met in a neutral conference room.
Nora sat beside Eleanor.
Graham's attorney sat beside him.
Graham looked tired.
The watch was on his wrist.
Eleanor noticed immediately.
Her chest tightened.
But she said nothing.
Graham began.
"I found the transfers."
Eleanor nodded.
"I know."
"I didn't authorize all of them."
She looked at him.
"Then you should cooperate with the investigation."
He swallowed.
"I intend to."
He leaned forward.
"Ellie—"
"Eleanor."
He stopped.
She held his gaze.
"My name is Eleanor."
He nodded.
"Eleanor."
For a moment, he looked like the man she had married.
Then he said:
"I was wrong."
She waited.
"I treated our marriage like something that would always be there."
His voice broke.
"I treated you like something that would always be there."
Eleanor looked down.
Graham continued.
"I found the watch."
"I know."
"Thank you."
She nodded.
He swallowed.
"I want to make things right."
Eleanor looked up.
"Then tell the truth."
"I will."
"Not just about Victor."
He went still.
"About the company. The people you've hurt. The choices you've made."
Graham lowered his eyes.
Then he said:
"I'll do whatever it takes."
Eleanor shook her head.
"Don't do it for me."
He looked up.
"Do it because it's right."
The meeting ended.
Graham watched Eleanor leave.
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For the first time, he understood that remorse was not a currency.
He could not spend it to purchase forgiveness.
