Vivian
looked at Jason.
“You knew there were duplicate ledgers.”
“Yes.”
“You said nothing.”
“I tried to find proof.”
“You allowed me to suspect you.”
His expression sharpened.
“You never asked whether I was innocent. You only asked whether I could prove it.”
Pain crossed Vivian’s face.
Jason stood.
“I spent nine months keeping the company alive while every decision I made was compared with the choices Ethan might have made. I thought if I found Vale’s records myself, perhaps for once you would believe I belonged in this family for reasons other than being useful.”
Vivian’s voice softened.
“You always belonged.”
“No,” Jason said. “Ethan belonged. I performed.”
The truth of it seemed to reach her at last.
She took a step toward him.
“I failed you.”
Jason looked almost angry at the apology.
Then his face changed.
Not into forgiveness.
But into the possibility of it.
