A year after the divorce was final, Apex Vanguard held its annual gala, and I wore a dark navy gown and my father’s necklace, and Gavin was there, representing whatever smaller firm had taken him on.

He saw me across the room and froze, and I watched his eyes drop to the badge on my gown. Nora Hayes — Investment Committee, Apex Vanguard. “You work here?” he said, in a voice full of disbelief.

“For several months now,” I said.

“I had no idea,” he said, looking down.

“I honestly thought you’d given up on your career forever.” “So did I,” I said, “for a long time.” His eyes went to my throat.

“Is that the same necklace?” “It is.” “Did you buy it because of what happened?” I laughed, gently, without any heat at all.