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“Paige,” I said warmly, “I need the final speaker order confirmed tonight. No surprise additions. No edits from Grant’s office without my approval.”
“Dr. Whitmore mentioned he might include a personal acknowledgment.”
“I’m aware.”
“He said it was important.”
“I’m sure he did. Send me the final program.”
She hesitated. “Is everything all right?”
I looked at the folder on my desk.
“Everything is exactly as it needs to be.”
At ten-fifteen, Grant called.
“Vanessa,” he said, his voice smooth with rehearsed exhaustion. “I’m sorry. I got trapped in meetings.”
“With Hawthorne?”
“Yes. Foundation chaos. You know how these things are.”
“I do.”
A pause.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
It was almost funny.
“I’m fine.”
“You sound distant.”
“I’m tired.”
“Tomorrow will be good for us,” he said gently. “I mean that.”
I turned the sapphire necklace box over in my hand.
“What should I expect?”
He exhaled softly. “Something honest.”
“Honesty would be refreshing.”
Another pause.
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