Chapter 10
415words
The subject line read simply: "I'm sorry."
I deleted it without reading.
But he persisted, sending email after email.
"Evelyn, I know what I did was unforgivable."
"I should have spoken up ten years ago. My silence made me complicit."
"Please let me apologize in person. Just ten minutes of your time."
I blocked his address, so he showed up at my office.
My assistant buzzed me. "There's a Lucas Harrison insisting on seeing you."
"Tell him to make an appointment," I replied.
"He says he's an old classmate," she said hesitantly. "He's been waiting since morning."
After a moment's consideration, I decided to end this. "Send him in."
The door opened, and Lucas Harrison stepped into my corner office.
Ten years had not been kind to him.
Dark circles shadowed his eyes. His stubble was unkempt, his suit rumpled and cheap.
Nothing remained of the golden boy who once ruled Westlake High.
"Evelyn." His voice was rough, uncertain.
"Mr. Harrison," I said coolly. "Have a seat."
He perched awkwardly on the edge of my visitor's chair.
"You look... you've done well for yourself."
"Have I?" I opened a random file, not bothering to look up. "What do you want?"
"My company's in trouble," he said, words tumbling out. "We're being sued by a competitor. I need the best lawyer, and that's you..."
"No." I cut him off sharply.
"What?"
"I don't represent cowards who stand by while others suffer."
He flinched as if I'd slapped him.
"Evelyn, please. I know I made terrible mistakes..."
"Mistakes?" I finally looked up. "Do you know I had nightmares for years after what happened?"
"I—"
"Do you know it took five years of therapy before I could speak in public without having a panic attack?"
"I'm so sorry—"
"Do you know I still can't form close relationships because I can't trust anyone?"
I stood and walked around my desk, towering over him. "Tell me, Lucas. What exactly is your 'sorry' worth?"
He looked up at me, his eyes swimming with tears and guilt.
"I can pay you—whatever you want—"
"I make seven figures a year," I said flatly. "I don't need your money."
I returned to my desk and pressed the intercom button.
"Security, please escort Mr. Harrison out."
"Evelyn, wait—" Lucas rose desperately.
Two security guards appeared instantly.
Lucas stared at me until the last moment, then allowed himself to be led away.
