Then she asked the question that had frightened her all morning.
“Can they sue me for interfering with their deal?”
Tessa considered her answer.
“Anybody can attempt to bring a claim. Whether it has merit is a different question. You should avoid public speculation and stick to the facts you personally observed.”
Imani nodded.
“I wasn't trying to interfere.”
“I believe you. But our job is to document what happened, not rely on anyone's goodwill.”
The lawyer reviewed the employment relationship next.
Kintsugi Sky was not owned by the Sterling family, and its management had already indicated that Imani was not being disciplined for the incident. Still, Tessa wanted relevant scheduling records and any communications from outside parties preserved.
Then they discussed the twenty-five-thousand-dollar wager.
Imani looked embarrassed.
“I feel foolish even asking.”
Tessa smiled faintly.
“Why?”
“Because there's a corporate scandal, and I'm sitting here wondering whether the man owes me money.”
The lawyer shook her head.
“He publicly promised you a substantial amount in a humiliating situation. It's reasonable to ask how he intends to handle that promise.”
Imani stared toward her hands.
“It would help my family.”
“I know.”
Tessa leaned forward.
“But we won't let the payment become a condition of your cooperation, and we won't let anyone use it to purchase silence.”
Imani nodded.
For a moment, the lawyer studied her.
Then asked, “Do you want to return to contract translation?”
The question surprised her.
“Yes.”
“Then we should think about your professional interests as well as your immediate safety. Your background is relevant, but that doesn't mean every company gets unlimited access to your expertise because you noticed a problem while serving dinner.”
Imani laughed softly.
For the first time since waking, she felt as though someone understood the situation from her perspective.
Not as a viral video.
Not as a dramatic corporate revelation.
As a young woman with a job, a family, professional skills, and a future she wanted to protect.
They spent another hour reviewing her options.
Before Imani left, Tessa handed her a list of practical steps.
Preserve the original notebook.
Do not delete relevant messages.
Refer legal requests through counsel.
Avoid discussing confidential matters online.
And contact the office immediately if someone attempted to pressure her or her employer.
Imani placed the paper in her bag.
Then stood.
“Thank you.”
Tessa smiled.
“You've been very careful so far.”
Imani shook her head.
“I don't feel careful. I feel terrified.”
The lawyer nodded.
“Being careful doesn't mean you aren't frightened.”
For a moment, Imani stared.
Then smiled.
That was the first reassuring thing she'd heard all day that didn't require her to pretend everything was fine.