Chapter 13 - ADRIAN CHOOSES
After the fountain, Adrian stopped mediating.
For the first time, he chose clarity over peace.
He issued a written statement to the Mercer board:
I was aware Naomi’s name remained in the proposal and failed to verify that her consent continued. I delayed formal correction because I feared commercial consequences. That was wrong.
Julian called.
“You’re handing the city ammunition.”
Adrian answered:
“I’m giving them facts.”
“You’re choosing her over the company.”
“No.”
Then:
“I’m choosing not to use her against her.”
That distinction mattered.
Adrian resigned from the proposal oversight committee.
Not from the family.
Not from the company entirely.
He accepted accountability for his own role.
Naomi did not immediately forgive him.
Love did not erase professional betrayal.
Naomi’s six weeks away from Adrian changed small things.
He stopped sending updates about family unless she asked.
Stopped forwarding apologies from relatives.
Stopped saying:
“They mean well.”
When Naomi returned, she set one condition:
“If your family has a problem with me, they speak to me or my lawyer. Not through you.”
Adrian agreed.
Then actually followed it.
Repair became less emotional and more procedural.
That made it stronger.
Naomi and Adrian nearly separated.
Not because she thought he ordered the signature misuse.
Because he knew enough to know something needed checking and chose delay.
She moved into a furnished apartment for six weeks.
Adrian did not ask her to come home every day.
He sent one message:
I understand why you need space. I will answer any question directly.
Naomi replied:
Good.
May you like
Not romantic.
Necessary.
