Chapter 13 - THE APOLOGYVictoria requested a private meeting with Sophia.
Sophia initially refused.
Then reconsidered.
She agreed to meet in Elena's office, with Elena present.
Victoria arrived without her usual entourage.
No diamonds.
No luxury handbag.
Just a simple dark coat.
Sophia sat across from her.
Victoria looked nervous.
“Thank you for seeing me.”
Sophia nodded.
Victoria took a breath.
“I owe you an apology.”
Sophia waited.
Victoria continued.
“I threw money at you.”
“Yes.”
“I insulted you.”
“Yes.”
“And I demanded that you lose your job.”
Sophia remained silent.
Victoria looked down.
“I was wrong.”
Sophia studied her.
“Why?”
Victoria looked confused.
“Why what?”
“Why was it wrong?”
Victoria hesitated.
Then answered:
“Because you didn't deserve it.”
Sophia nodded.
“Would it have been acceptable if I really were just a waitress?”
Victoria froze.
Sophia continued.
“If you hadn't discovered I was AVERY, would you still be here?”
Victoria looked away.
For a long moment, she said nothing.
Then whispered:
“No.”
Sophia nodded.
“Thank you for being honest.”
Victoria's eyes filled.
“I don't know why I behave that way.”
Sophia answered gently.
“Then that's something you need to change.”
Victoria nodded.
“I know.”
Sophia stood.
“The collaboration is over.”
Victoria looked disappointed.
“I understand.”
Sophia continued.
“But I hope this is the beginning of something better for you.”
Victoria looked up.
Sophia smiled faintly.
“Not because you lost money.”
May you like
A pause.
“Because you finally saw another person.”
