But tired in a way that expensive suits and carefully styled hair could not conceal.
He turned toward Hiroshi Aizawa.
“My friend, I apologize for what happened tonight.”
Hiroshi bowed his head slightly.
Then spoke in Japanese.
「謝罪よりも、まず事実を明らかにすることが大切です。」
More important than an apology is establishing the facts.
Walter listened to the translation.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
Hiroshi glanced toward Imani.
He spoke again.
「彼女が疑問を指摘しなければ、私たちはそのまま署名していたかもしれません。」
If she hadn't raised the question, we might have signed without examining it.
The interpreter translated.
Walter looked toward the documents.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he said quietly, “I know.”
Imani felt an unexpected wave of exhaustion.
Her hands were beginning to shake.
She had maintained her composure through the confrontation, but the reality of what happened was finally reaching her.
She had challenged an immensely wealthy man.
Exposed a potentially fraudulent corporate arrangement.
And become visible to people who possessed resources far beyond anything she could imagine.
She didn't know whether the restaurant would keep her.
Didn't know whether Julian would try to retaliate.
And didn't know whether the people who needed her account would treat her fairly once the immediate drama ended.
She wanted to go home.
So she retrieved her cleaning cloth, thanked the manager, and left the private dining suite.
As she stepped into the service corridor, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.
It was Julian.
“Miss Carter.”
Imani stopped.
Her heart began beating faster.
He approached wearing an expression that was almost friendly.
Almost.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
She looked toward the open corridor.
Several employees were working nearby.
That reassured her.
“Is there something you need?”
Julian smiled.
“You're obviously intelligent.”
Imani said nothing.
“Perhaps more intelligent than my father realizes.”
She waited.
He continued.
“People like you sometimes get caught in disputes they don't understand. There are better ways to handle these things.”
Imani took a breath.
“What are you proposing?”
Julian glanced toward the other employees.
Then lowered his voice.
“I could make sure you're compensated for tonight. Properly. Without getting dragged into a family matter.”
She stared.
“Compensated for what?”
“Your inconvenience.”
Imani looked directly at him.
“Do you mean in exchange for remaining silent?”
His smile tightened.
“Don't put words in my mouth.”
“Then explain what you mean.”