“Different paths to the same destination,” Holly agrees. “We have beneficiaries who aged out of foster care, others who spent decades in minimum wage jobs. Healthcare training gives them both expertise and respect.”
“It's a fresh perspective on William's legacy, Catherine,” Patricia adds. “Showing the human impact of everything he built.”
Catherine sets down her wine glass. “It's certainly ... compelling.”
Not forgiveness, not yet. But no longer hostility either.
I'll take it.
“I want to increase our commitment,” Richard says, addressing Evan. “Whatever you need for the scholarship expansion. Let's talk numbers after the gala.”
“We'd be grateful for that conversation,” Evan says.
He takes my hand under the table. Squeezes once.
I squeeze back, trying not to cry with relief.
* * *
EVAN
The rest of dinner passes smoothly. Holly handles questions about logistics, donor engagement, scaling impact. Richard is impressed. Patricia keeps finding ways to compliment Holly's approach.
My mother remains polite. Gracious. Distant.
Every response calibrated to be cordial without being warm. She laughs at Patricia's jokes. Asks Richard thoughtful questions. Includes Holly in the conversation with perfect courtesy.
But I sense a coolness there that wasn't there before.
The Whitmores leave around nine-thirty. Handshakes, promises to connect after the gala, Patricia hugging Holly warmly.
“That was wonderful,” Patricia says. “I can't wait to see the gala.”
My mother lingers after they leave.
“Walk me out?”
“Of course.”
Catherine waves Holly off when she starts to join us. “Just a moment with my son. I'll see you at the gala, dear.”
We leave Holly at the table, head through the restaurant to the valet area.
The moment we're alone, my mother turns to me.
“She's lovely—beautiful, articulate, clearly good at her job.”
“But?”
“But Evan, you do understand she works for you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I'm saying workplace relationships are complicated. Especially with a power imbalance.” She pauses. “That comment tonight—I don't think it was intentional. But it showed a lack of awareness about what she's walking into. Our world. What it all means.”
“She recovered beautifully.”
“She did. And the Whitmores were charmed.” Catherine's voice is gentle. “But I need you to consider whether she's ready for this. Whether she wants it. And whether mixing professional and personal is wise.”
