Anger flared, hot and sudden. These are from 3 years ago during the worst period of my life. My wife was dying. Of course, there were professional difficulties. I know, Sophia said quickly, reaching across to touch his hand. I’m not endorsing Richard’s interpretation. I’m telling you what he’s claiming. Daniel forced himself to breathe, to think past the violation he felt.

This is a deliberate attack. Richard has opposed my role from the beginning, but how did he get these emails? They’re private from a closed university account. Sophia’s expression was grave. That’s what concerns me most. This level of investigation, it’s not normal, even for Richard. It’s not just inappropriate, it’s potentially illegal, Daniel pointed out, accessing private university emails without authorization.

I know, Sophia rubbed her temple, a rare gesture of stress. But there’s more. Richard claims he has information that you’ve been in contact with Schneider executives before joining MMT. that your chance encounter with me at Whole Foods might not have been chance at all. The accusation was so absurd that Daniel actually laughed. That’s ridiculous.

I was a handyman fixing leaky faucets before I met you. I had no connection to Schneider or any medical technology company. I believe you, Sophia assured him. But Richard is presenting this to James as a serious concern that you might be some kind of corporate plant positioned to influence the merger negotiations. To what end? Why would Schneider plant someone who’s helping the merger succeed? According to Richard, to ensure terms more favorable to Schneider, he’s suggesting your cultural interpretations might be deliberately skewed. Daniel

shook his head, disbelief giving way to a cold anger. This is beyond professional rivalry. This is character assassination. I agree, Sophia said firmly, which is why I canled dinner. I wanted to warn you before Richard takes this further. He’s requesting a formal investigation. The implications hit Daniel like a physical blow.

An investigation would mean suspension, potentially termination. If Richard’s fabricated concerns gained traction, he’d lose the job that had finally allowed him to rebuild a stable life for Emma, to use his expertise meaningfully again, to begin moving forward after years of grief and struggle. “Why does he hate me this much?” Daniel asked quietly.

“What have I done to deserve this level of hostility?” Sophia looked away, discomfort evident in her posture. “I think it’s not about you specifically, Daniel. It’s about me. I don’t understand. She sighed, turning her wine glass slowly. Richard and I have a history. We were engaged briefly about 5 years ago. It ended poorly. The revelation surprised him. I had no idea.

We’ve maintained a professional relationship and he’s excellent at his job despite his personal difficulties. But he’s always been, she searched for the right word, possessive even after all this time. understanding dawned and he sees my relationship with you as a threat. Our friendship, Sophia corrected, though something in her eyes suggested the distinction was important to her.

He’s noticed that we’ve become close, that I value your input, your company. So, this isn’t about the Schneider merger at all. It’s personal. I believe so. Yes. Sophia looked genuinely troubled. I’ve spoken to James. He’s skeptical of Richard’s claims, especially given the timing and the questionable methods used to obtain this information.

But as CFO, Richard has influence. We can’t simply dismiss his concerns without due process. Daniel nodded slowly, processing the implications. What happens now? There will be a formal review. You’ll continue working on the Schneider negotiations. They specifically asked for you, which actually undermines Richard’s theory, but the board will examine these allegations.

And if they find them credible, Sophia met his gaze directly. They won’t because they’re not. I won’t let Richard destroy your career because of his personal vendetta. Her confidence should have been reassuring, but Daniel felt a growing unease. He’d rebuilt his life once already from the ashes of tragedy.

The prospect of losing everything again, of Emma having to adjust to another dramatic change in circumstances was almost unbearable. “I should get back to Emma,” he said finally. “She had a difficult day.” Sophia nodded, concern immediately shifting to his daughter. “What happened?” Daniel explained the incident at the children’s program, finding comfort in discussing a problem that, while painful, was at least straightforward compared to the tangled web Richard was weaving. Poor Emma.

Sophia said with genuine sympathy. Children can be so cruel without even realizing it. Would it help if I stop? I’d buy. I have some experience with grief counseling through the hospital foundation I work with. The offer touched him. That’s very kind, but I think she needs quiet tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

Of course, Sophia gathered the folder of emails, her expression hardening. I’ll handle Richard. You focus on Emma in the negotiations. As Daniel rose to leave, she caught his hand. Daniel, I’m sorry. This is my fault. If Richard wasn’t fixated on me, on us, this isn’t your fault, he interrupted firmly. Richard is a grown man making deliberate choices.

You are not responsible for his actions. Her smile was tinged with sadness. Thank you for that. Not everyone sees it that way. Back in the suite, Daniel found Emma asleep on the sofa, her sketchbook fallen open beside her. The page showed a drawing of three figures, a man, a small girl, and a woman with wings, standing before what appeared to be the Boston skyline.

Family, past and present, together in Emma’s imagination. Carefully lifting her, Daniel carried his daughter to bed, tucking her in without waking her. Then he sat in the darkened room, watching the city lights twinkle beyond the window, and tried to make sense of the day’s revelations. Richard’s accusations were baseless, but the method of attack was deeply concerning.

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