Chapter 9 - THE EMPIRE THAT COULDN'T BUY FORGIVENESS
Adrian began changing his life.
At first, he didn't know how.
He had spent twenty years measuring success in contracts, acquisitions, and quarterly profits.
Now he was trying to understand why his wife had been lonely inside a house filled with people.
He started seeing a therapist.
He reduced his travel schedule.
He stopped allowing Lauren to manage his personal calendar.
And he began examining the way he'd treated the people closest to him.
The changes were uncomfortable.
He discovered that many employees were afraid to disagree with him.
That his household staff had learned to avoid bringing him problems.
And that his marriage had become another place where everyone adjusted themselves around his temper.
One afternoon, Mrs. Alvarez found him standing in the kitchen.
He was washing a coffee mug.
She stared.
“Sir?”
Adrian looked up.
“Yes?”
“Is something wrong?”
He glanced at the mug.
“No.”
She looked confused.
“Would you like me to do that?”
He shook his head.
“I can wash a cup.”
Mrs. Alvarez smiled faintly.
“Of course.”
Adrian hesitated.
Then said:
“Mrs. Alvarez?”
“Yes?”
“Was Claire happy here?”
The housekeeper's expression softened.
She considered the question.
Then answered honestly.
“Sometimes.”
Adrian looked down.
“Only sometimes?”
She nodded.
“She loved this house when she thought it would become a home.”
He swallowed.
“And afterward?”
May you like
Mrs. Alvarez looked toward the window.
“She learned to be happy elsewhere.”
