The hospital called just as I was wrapping up an M&A conference.
Victor's ulcer had worsened, and he'd been rushed in. The doctors said he was refusing treatment and only asking to see me one last time.
The compliance officer asked, "Ma'am, do you want to go?"
I looked at the overcast sky outside the window and stayed silent for a moment. "Yes."
Not out of any softening of the heart. There were simply certain accounts I wanted to close in person.
The hospital room was quiet except for the ticking of the monitors. Victor lay on the bed, his face white as though drained of blood. The instant he saw me, an almost feverish light broke in his eyes.
"Stella..." His hand trembled as he tried to reach for the hem of my coat. "You came to see me. You still have me in your heart, don't you?"
