Chapter 14 - THE LAST PRIVATE ROOM
Two years after the assault, Daniel closed the private dining room at Aster No. 9 for renovation.
Mallory walked through it before construction began.
Same room where Victor once complained the marriage reveal threatened financing.
Same table where Sloan Capital negotiated ambiguity.
Same door Daniel walked through when he saw her coughing.
Daniel stood beside her.
“What should we turn it into?”
“Staff dining.”
He stared.
“The private room?”
“Yes.”
“That’s prime revenue space.”
“I know.”
He smiled.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“A little.”
They compromised.
Half became a smaller private room.
Half became a staff meal room with windows and real chairs.
No one had to eat over a prep sink.
Mallory insisted on that.
Then Daniel said:
“I used to think power meant keeping the best room.”
Mallory answered:
“And now?”
“Knowing you can give some of it away.”
Not profound.
Maybe true.
Then he asked:
“Do you still think I’m dangerous?”
Mallory looked at him.
“Yes.”
He did not flinch.
“Good.”
That surprised her.
He continued:
“I don’t want you forgetting what I’m capable of because I’m behaving better.”
May you like
That was the most honest thing he had said about himself.
Love did not require blindness.
