“Yes, Mr. Beckett.”
“Because of Sophie?”
Gregory was silent for a moment. “Mrs. Langham is part of the reason, but she is not the most important one.”
Adrian’s face tightened at the name. Mrs. Langham. Everyone had adopted it quickly, as if Sophie had never been Mrs. Beckett at all.
“Then what is?”
“My daughter.”
Adrian leaned back in his chair. For years, Cynthia had been the one topic Gregory rarely discussed unless necessary. Adrian knew of her condition. He knew Gregory’s salary and benefits went almost entirely toward her treatment. He had even approved several absences without complaint. In his mind, he had always considered that enough.
Gregory continued before Adrian could say anything.
“For years, I told myself that everything I did here was for Cynthia. The hours, the err
