Chapter 6: The Man With the Access Card

Adrian once believed control could prevent loss. Lately, control seemed to be the surest way to cause it.

Daniel proves he was at the hospital visiting his father when the break-in happened. He reveals that duplicate executive cards were made during the Halcyon acquisition.

Daniel understood that the next choice would be remembered long after the explanation. They had become unusually honest since the divorce began. Honesty did not make the choices easier, but it stopped them from pretending that ease was the same thing as peace.

He also confesses that Eleanor instructed staff for years to filter Claire's calls whenever Adrian was in negotiations.

"I protected his calendar until there was nothing left on it worth protecting."

Neither of them called it forgiveness. Forgiveness was too large for one night and too fragile to demand.

Claire overhears enough to realize Adrian's neglect had help, but not enough to excuse him.