Chapter 15 - The Weight of Accountability
Richard took the first real step.
A public statement.
Not dramatic. Not defensive. Just honest.
It acknowledged past decisions, unnamed but unmistakable, and committed to transparency moving forward.
The response was immediate.
Questions. Scrutiny. Doubt.
But also—respect.
Elara watched it unfold without interference.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she told him.
“Yes, I did,” Richard replied. “I’ve spent my entire life controlling outcomes. This time, I needed to face one.”
She studied him for a moment.
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This wasn’t redemption.
But it was movement.
