Her face softened instantly.
“Sweetheart.”
Oliver stared at her.
“Did Mommy really love me?”
The room became unbearably quiet.
Caroline glanced toward Alexander.
“Of course she did.”
“Then why did you tell me she was tired of me?”
Caroline’s lips parted.
No answer came.
Oliver took a small step forward.
“I tried to be good. Every day.”
Alexander felt tears burning behind his eyes.
“I didn’t cry at school. I didn’t ask Daddy for things. I even stopped sleeping with the hallway light on.”
His voice broke.
“Why wasn’t that enough?”
For a moment, Caroline looked shaken.
Then her expression hardened.
“Because children must learn not to manipulate adults with tears.”
Alexander crossed the room and knelt beside Oliver.
“Listen to me, buddy. You never have to earn my love by being quiet.”
Oliver looked at him.
“Even when I’m sad?”
“Especially then.”
Caroline picked up her handbag.
“This is ridiculous.”
Daniel stood.
“You’ll receive a formal notice concerning the audit. We also advise you not to access or alter any foundation records.”
Caroline looked at Alexander one final time.
“You’ll regret humiliating me.”
