Page 87 of Hate Notes

"No," I said. “Maybe not completely. But people can change. Companies can change. Which is why Eleanor and I have another proposal."

I pulled out the last document—one I'd spent all night drafting. Orion’s assistant, Daniel, hurried up to the stage like I’d asked and took the document to Davenport. "The factories would be placed in a trust, managed jointly by Foster Real Estate and a board of community members. All proposed changes would require approval from both the business side and the community side. This way, the factories can be updated and made profitable while still preserving their historical significance."

"And who would lead this venture?" Davenport asked.

"That would be up to you, Sir. But I'd suggest someone who understands both the business potential and the human element. Someone who's proven they can change and grow."

My eyes found Orion's again, and this time he held my gaze. I saw the moment he understood what I was suggesting—that this wasn't just about saving the factories or my own redemption. This was my way of showing him I believed in who he could be, who he was becoming.

"An interesting proposal," Davenport said. He turned to Eleanor. "What do you think, old friend?"

Eleanor smiled. "I think it’s never too late to change.”

Davenport raised an eyebrow as the two elderly people shared an oddly charged moment together.

Uh. Had I missed something between them? Something… romantic?

Davenport finally peeled his eyes from Eleanor to look back down at the proposal, which he studied while the room was eerily silent.

I hoped this would work so badly it hurt, but it was out of my hands now.

Now I just had to wait and see what Davenport said.

42

EMBER

The silence stretched so long I thought I might burst. Finally, Davenport cleared his throat. In no apparent hurry, the old man took the stage and waited for me to step aside so he could speak into the microphone. He shot me a quick look and a small smile, then faced the room and spoke.

"Miss Hartwell makes some excellent points about trust and change," he said. "And it took a great deal of courage to do what she did tonight. Peopledomake mistakes. It’s part of being human, and one doesn’t reach my age without learning that lesson hundreds of times over. But Ember did tonight what few are willing to do. She owned her mistakes in front of all of us, even if it meant costing her everything.Thatis the sort of person I trust.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

Davenport gave me a small nod, then continued. “I am also deeply troubled by what I’ve learned tonight.”

Cole was already rising, probably ready to spin some explanation, but Davenport silenced him with a look.

"Mr. Northman, you may leave. Your services will not be required."

The satisfaction of watching Cole storm out, face purple with rage, was almost worth everything else. Almost. A few of his employees awkwardly stood and filed out after him. The rest, I assumed, stayed to see how this drama was going to play out.

"As for Foster Real Estate," Davenport continued, "I find myself in an unusual position. On one hand, the original intent to exploit this legal loophole is vile and cruel."

In their previous interactions, I knew Orion would have jumped in now to defend himself or try to spin things in a way to alleviate Davenport’s anger. Tonight, though, Orion just sat patiently, eyes up on the old man and mouth shut.

Davenport’s lips twitched, as if he was noticing the same thing. “While disturbing, Miss Hartwell claims you have changed course completely, young man. That you now seek to protect my factories rather than destroy them? Is this true?”

"Yes," Orion said simply. "Though I don't expect that to excuse my original intentions."

"No," Davenport agreed. "But it does show something equally important—the capacity for growth.”

He lifted the proposal I'd drafted. "This is an innovative solution. One that would preserve these buildings while allowing for necessary modernization. But it would require someone capable of balancing business acumen with genuine care for legacy."

My heart was hammering so hard I could barely breathe.

"Mr. Foster," Davenport said. "Would you be willing to take on such a responsibility? To prove that your change of heart is genuine?"

"Yes, Sir. But..." Orion's eyes found mine. "Only if Miss Hartwell agrees to lead the project. This has been completely her doing, and she deserves the honor of taking charge of it."

---