Some meetings ended badly. Once, Lena walked out after Adrian explained her own feelings back to her as though he understood them better than she did.

The next morning he sent a message: I did it again. I’m sorry. No explanation. She came back the following Thursday.

A year after the divorce, Adrian went to a fundraiser for one of the Accord’s scholarship programs. No photographers. No bodyguards in the room. No one whispering about secret agreements.

The scholarship recipients stood on a small stage and described the communities they hoped to serve. Afterward, Adrian found Lena near the windows. She wore a dark green dress and the silver earrings her grandmother had left her.

“You came,” she said.

“You invited me.”