We followed the process.
Gregory’s commission arrangements were documented.
Accounts were reviewed.
Property issues were resolved.
The company remained under my control.
One afternoon, during a mediated session, Gregory asked to speak to me.
My lawyer objected.
I surprised her.
“I’ll listen.”
With counsel present.
No private conversation.
Gregory looked older.
He had lost weight.
For years, I had known every expression on his face.
Now I trusted none of them.
He said:
“I loved you.”
I waited.
“I did.”
He repeated.
“That is what makes this so hard.”
I replied:
“No. What makes this hard is that you think saying that improves what
you did.”
His eyes filled.
“You were never going to let me be part of Vanguard.”
“You were part of my life.”
“That’s not the same.”
“No.”
I said.
“It wasn’t enough for you.”
He looked down.
I asked one question.
“When did you start resenting me?”
