When the company became successful, Richard increased her salary, offered her bonuses, and occasionally gave her gifts.
But he had never truly understood how much of his success depended on her.
He had believed that loyalty was something people naturally owed him.
Now he was beginning to understand that loyalty was a gift.
And he had thrown it away.
His phone vibrated.
Daniel Mercer, the company's chief legal officer, had sent a message.
I have located the preliminary investigation documents. There are several irregularities. I recommend discussing this privately when you return.
Richard immediately called him.
"Daniel, I want to know what those irregularities are."
"Sir, I have only reviewed the first documents."
"Then review the rest."
"There's something you should understand. The investigation was conducted by the executive compliance committee, not by our external auditors."
"Who was leading the committee?"
Daniel hesitated.
"Robert Collins."
Richard's expression changed.
Robert Collins had been one of his closest business associates. He had served as chief financial officer for almost fifteen years and had been responsible for overseeing the company's internal accounts during its most important expansion period.
Richard had trusted him.
Perhaps too much.
"Robert said Margaret stole two million dollars?"
"According to the final report, yes."
"And he presented the evidence to me?"
"Yes."
Richard leaned back.
"Did Margaret ever have an opportunity to defend herself?"
"I don't see a record of a formal hearing."
"Then what exactly did I sign?"
Daniel took a breath.
"The termination authorization and a settlement agreement."
Richard stared at the carpet.
"Send me everything. Every report, every email, every bank record, every document connected to that investigation."
"I'll arrange it."
"And Daniel?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Do not inform Robert Collins that we're reviewing this."
The call ended.
Richard looked toward Emily.
She was helping Lily open a small package of crackers. The little girl was laughing at something her mother had whispered.
The sound reminded Richard of another afternoon, many years ago, when Margaret had brought Emily to the office because her babysitter had canceled unexpectedly.
Emily had been about seven years old.
She had sat quietly in the reception area, drawing pictures while her mother worked late.
Richard had given her a box of colored pencils.
He remembered Emily thanking him.
He remembered Margaret saying that her daughter wanted to become an artist.
Now Emily was a grown woman with a daughter of her own.
And Richard had missed almost all of her life.
He closed his eyes.
There was no business deal in the world that could compensate for that.
A few minutes later, Lily stood up to retrieve a dropped pencil.
It rolled beneath Richard's seat.
She approached him carefully.
"Excuse me, sir."
Richard looked down.
"Yes, Lily?"
"Could you help me get my pencil?"
He leaned forward and reached beneath the seat.
The pencil was lodged near the metal support.
He retrieved it and handed it to her.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
She smiled, then hesitated.
"Are you still angry?"
Richard blinked.
"Angry? No. Why would you think that?"
"Because your face looks like my mommy's face when she has a very difficult day."
Richard glanced toward Emily.
"Does it?"
Lily nodded.
"Sometimes she looks like she's carrying a heavy bag, even when she isn't holding anything."
Richard felt an unexpected ache in his chest.
"Your mother has had a difficult time, hasn't she?"
Lily nodded again.
"Grandma was sick. Mommy had to work a lot. Sometimes she cried in the bathroom because she didn't want me to see."
Richard looked at the little girl.
"Does she still cry?"
"Not as much."
Lily lowered her voice.
"But I think she misses Grandma."
Richard nodded slowly.
"So do I."
Lily studied him.
"Did you know my grandma?"
"Yes."
"Was she nice?"
Richard smiled sadly.
"She was one of the kindest people I've ever known."
"Then why didn't you visit her?"
The question was simple.
It was also impossible to escape.
Richard looked at the little girl for a long moment.
"Because I made a mistake."
Lily considered his answer.
"Can you fix it?"
He almost laughed, but the sound never came.
"I don't know."
Lily returned to her seat.
"Mommy says that if you make a mistake, you should try to make things right."
Richard watched her.
Then he quietly repeated the words.
"Try to make things right."