“Caroline,” he said, “where is the quarterly financial report?”
Her eyes narrowed.
“What?”
“The foundation’s financial report. The one I requested three weeks ago.”
“It’s being finalized.”
“Who is finalizing it?”
“Our accountants.”
“Which accountants?”
She hesitated.
Alexander noticed that too.
“We’ll discuss it tomorrow,” Caroline snapped.
“No,” he replied. “We’ll discuss it with independent auditors.”
For the first time that evening, Caroline looked genuinely frightened.
Then she smiled.
“You’re exhausted, Alexander. You’re grieving. You’re letting a waitress and an emotional child manipulate you.”
Alexander glanced at Oliver.
His son was standing beside Hannah, clutching his teddy bear, which had been retrieved from the car.
“No,” Alexander said. “I’m finally listening.”
Caroline left without another word.
But as she passed Richard, she caught his eye.
Hannah saw the silent exchange between them.
And something about it disturbed her.
Later that evening, after Oliver had fallen asleep against his father’s shoulder in the hotel lounge, Alexander found Hannah near the service corridor.
She was placing her name badge into her handbag.
“Are you leaving?” he asked.
She turned sharply.
“Mr. Bennett.”
“Alexander, please.”
Hannah gave a small, uncertain smile.
“I’m not sure I still have a job.”
