Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED THE MILLION-DOLLAR CHECK
Charles Mercer offered me one million dollars.
The offer arrived through his attorney.
In exchange, I would agree not to participate in public allegations about the North Harbor explosion.
I stared at the document.
One million dollars.
Enough to pay every bill.
Enough to buy a house.
Enough to make sure Eli never worried about rent again.
Rebecca watched me carefully.
"You don't have to decide today."
I shook my head.
"I already know."
I pushed the document away.
"No."
Rebecca nodded.
That evening, Roman came to my apartment.
He looked exhausted.
"My father offered you money."
I nodded.
"I'm sorry."
I crossed my arms.
"Did you know?"
"No."
I studied him.
Then nodded.
Roman looked toward the kitchen.
"How's Eli?"
"Better."
He smiled faintly.
"Good."
For a moment, we stood in silence.
Then I asked, "Why did you really offer me that job?"
Roman looked at me.
"At first, because of your father."
I waited.
"Then because I realized how hard you were working to keep your family together."
I swallowed.
"But I handled it badly," he continued.
"I should have apologized properly and asked what you wanted instead of making decisions for you."
I looked down.
Roman stepped back.
"I don't expect you to forgive me."
I looked up.
"Good."
He smiled sadly.
Then I added, "But I appreciate the apology."
May you like
For the first time, his expression softened.
And something between us began to change.
