"Olivia, the Sterling Foundation sent over the revised partnership proposal."
Olivia opened the document.
The proposal outlined a scholarship program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She reviewed the budget.
Then she noticed a section concerning donor influence over scholarship selection.
She frowned.
"Who drafted this?"
Rachel checked.
"The foundation's administrative team."
Olivia read the clause again.
It allowed certain major donors to recommend candidates.
She looked at Rachel.
"I don't think this is appropriate."
Rachel nodded.
"Would you like us to request a revision?"
"Yes. The scholarship should be based on merit, financial need, and transparent criteria. Nobody should receive an advantage because of their family's connections."
Rachel smiled.
"That makes sense."
Olivia signed the review note.
She had no intention of allowing the previous night's incident to influence her professional judgment.
The foundation deserved a fair evaluation.
And the students who depended on the program deserved better than another system controlled by wealthy families.
CHAPTER 15: THE SECOND ENVELOPE
Three days later, Eleanor arrived at the Bennett Advisory Partners office.
She had called ahead.
Margaret agreed to meet her.
When Eleanor entered the conference room, Margaret stood to greet her.
"Eleanor."
"Margaret."
They exchanged polite greetings.
Eleanor carried a small envelope.
She placed it on the table.
"I wanted to return something."
Margaret looked at it.
"What is it?"
"The money I offered Olivia."
Margaret did not touch it.
"Why are you bringing it here?"
"Because I think I handled the situation badly."
Margaret studied her.
"Do you?"
Eleanor nodded.
"I shouldn't have offered it."
"That is a start."
Eleanor looked uncomfortable.
"I thought Olivia was interested in Alexander because of his family."
Margaret remained quiet.
Eleanor continued.
"I was wrong."
Margaret finally sat down.
"How did you reach that conclusion?"
Eleanor looked toward the window.
"She didn't accept the money."
Margaret gave a small smile.
"Would accepting it have made her a worse person?"
Eleanor looked back.
"No."
"Then perhaps the important lesson isn't that she refused the envelope. Perhaps it's that you should never have offered it."
Eleanor lowered her eyes.
"I understand."
Margaret nodded.
"Do you want to apologize to Olivia?"
"Yes."
"Then you should speak to her directly."
Eleanor took the envelope back.
For once, she had come to a meeting without expecting to control its outcome.
And that was an unfamiliar experience.
CHAPTER 16: THE APOLOGY
Olivia agreed to meet Eleanor the following afternoon.
They chose a quiet cafรฉ.
Eleanor arrived first.
She ordered tea and waited.
When Olivia entered, Eleanor stood.
"Thank you for coming."
Olivia sat across from her.
"Of course."
For several seconds, neither woman spoke.
Then Eleanor began.
"I owe you an apology."
Olivia listened.
"At the gala, I treated you unfairly. I judged you because of your background, and I assumed you were interested in Alexander's money."
Olivia remained quiet.
Eleanor continued.