He looked desperate and incredibly small.

He wanted a simple financial transaction to erase a decade of total absence.

She had the perfect chance to destroy him right there.

She could raise her voice, draw the attention of the remaining parents, and humiliate him in front of the academic board he funded.

She took a slow, deep breath to steady herself.

“I’m trying to offer you a serious financial lifeline,” Daniel said.

He pushed the card an inch closer to her hand.