Douglas nodded.

“Good.”

It was not reconciliation.

It was not forgiveness neatly tied into a bow.

It was simply one conversation in which neither person needed to win.

That was enough.

PART 27 — TWO YEARS LATER

Two years after the night Gwen stood at Gideon’s gate, she was promoted.

Andrea called her into the office.

“I want you to manage both locations.”