He set a single letter on the table in front of Dalton.

“The board has been notified of a credible allegation,” he said, in the flat courteous tone I had watched him use to end careers.

“An investigation is open as of this morning.” Dalton’s composure, which had survived the envelopes and the ring and the word spoliation, finally came apart.

“She’s doing this because I ended our engagement,” he said, to the room, to his mother, to anyone who might still be persuaded.

I almost felt sorry for how badly the lie fit the facts.

“The lobby camera in this building recorded you arriving twenty minutes ago,” I said, “carrying my ring, to propose that we still marry.