Chapter 28 - The Unexpected Guest
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The Vanguard lobby was bustling with a corporate retreat when Claire arrived for her afternoon consultation.
She was walking toward the elevators when she heard her name called.
"Claire."
She turned and stopped.
It was Arthur, Daniel’s former mentor and the man who had briefly stepped in to manage the Mercer crisis before Daniel was pushed out.
He looked older, leaning heavily on a silver-tipped cane, but his eyes were as sharp as ever.
"Arthur," Claire greeted him respectfully. "It’s been a long time."
"It has," he agreed, gesturing for her to sit with him on a nearby sofa. "Do you have a moment?"
Claire checked her watch. "A brief one."
They sat down, the noise of the lobby swirling around them.
"I wanted to apologize," Arthur said, his voice low and gravelly.
Claire looked at him, surprised. "For what?"
"For my role in the collapse," Arthur admitted, his hands resting on his cane. "I saw the signs of Daniel’s mismanagement long before the board did. I saw how heavily he relied on you to maintain the illusion of control. And I said nothing."
"You were protecting the company," Claire said neutrally.
"I was protecting my legacy," Arthur corrected bitterly. "I prioritized the Mercer name over the truth. I let Daniel drown, and I let you shoulder the weight."
Claire looked at the old man, seeing the heavy burden of regret he carried.
"Daniel drowned because he refused to learn how to swim, Arthur. Not because you didn't throw him a life preserver."
Arthur nodded slowly.
"You are much kinder than we deserved, Claire."
"I'm not kind," Claire corrected gently. "I'm just tired of carrying other people's guilt."
She stood up, offering him a polite smile.
May you like
"It was good to see you, Arthur."
She walked away, leaving him to sit with his own ghosts.
