Chapter 6 - ADRIAN'S FAILURE
Adrian loved Naomi.
That did not make him trustworthy in every situation.
He had spent his whole life translating between his brothers.
Blake exploded.
Julian minimized.
Adrian softened.
He believed conflict could be managed through tone.
When Naomi said:
“Take my name out.”
Adrian answered:
“I’ll talk to them.”
When she said:
“No. Send written notice.”
He said:
“Let me handle it first.”
Why?
Because a formal withdrawal could damage the bid.
Because the city deadline was close.
Because Julian said the wording was defensible.
Because Blake said Naomi was overreacting.
Adrian tried to keep everyone calm.
The result was delay.
Naomi sent her own letter to Mercer legal.
Withdraw my name from any certification, endorsement, or approval beyond the attached preliminary memo.
She copied the city procurement office.
May you like
That happened the afternoon before the gala.
Blake found out two hours later.
