Chapter 10 - THE CEO WHO LEARNED TO WAIT
Ethan began changing.
Slowly.
Imperfectly.
He stopped sending emails after ten at night.
He hired additional staff.
He took responsibility for decisions he'd previously delegated without thought.
And he began asking employees what they needed before telling them what he expected.
Some people were skeptical.
Others appreciated the effort.
Olivia remained cautious.
She had seen executives promise change before.
Words were easy.
Habits were harder.
One afternoon, Ethan asked to meet her.
Not at headquarters.
Not in his office.
At a small café near the river.
She agreed.
He arrived early.
For once.
Olivia sat opposite him.
"Hello."
"Hello."
He looked nervous.
She had never seen Ethan Caldwell nervous.
He took a breath.
"I owe you an apology."
Olivia said nothing.
He continued.
"Not just for the car."
His voice tightened.
"For the years."
She looked down.
"I treated your time as if it belonged to me."
Silence.
"I took credit for things you made possible. I expected you to solve problems I created. And when you asked for something as simple as a ride to an event you organized, I told you that you weren't important."
His eyes filled.
"I was wrong."
Olivia swallowed.
He continued.
"I don't expect you to forgive me."
She looked up.
"Good."
He nodded.
"But I wanted you to hear me say it."
Olivia studied him.
Then asked:
"Why now?"
Ethan looked down.
"Because losing you forced me to see what I'd been refusing to see."
She shook her head.
"That's not enough."
He looked up.
"I know."
She took a breath.
"People shouldn't have to leave before they're valued."
Ethan nodded.
"You're right."
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Olivia stood.
"Thank you for apologizing."
He rose too.
"Olivia."
She turned.
"I miss you."
Her heart tightened.
She looked at him.
"I know."
May you like
Then she walked away.
And this time, Ethan didn't ask her to stay.
