Chapter 8 — Richard Corrects Two Different Wrongs
Richard made several decisions immediately.
First, Sophia’s full $5,000 payment would be refunded.
Not as compensation.
Because according to Charles Bellweather’s original written promise, Sophia’s stay should never have required payment.
Second, Magnolia Cottage would be returned to Sophia’s reservation.
Sophia surprised everyone.
“No.”
Richard frowned.
“Ms. Bennett, it’s yours.”
“For three nights.”
She looked toward Nora.
“How long did you need?”
Nora shook her head immediately.
“Absolutely not.”
“I didn’t ask whether you wanted to steal my reservation.”
Nora almost smiled.
“Good distinction.”
Sophia continued.
“I asked how long you wanted to see the cottage.”
Nora looked toward the floor.
“An afternoon.”
That was all.
So Sophia proposed something simple.
Nora could remain until dinner.
They would visit the porch together.
Then Sophia would take over the cottage that evening.
Richard agreed.
Nora reluctantly did too.
Adrian said nothing.
He was suspended from front-desk duties while the resort reviewed his actions.
Richard made clear that Sophia’s generosity did not erase what Adrian had done.
He had altered a guest contract.
Changed an official reservation.
Lied when confronted.
And used a paying customer’s money to secure accommodation for a relative.
His motive was emotional.
His actions were still wrong.
Adrian nodded.
“I understand.”
Sophia looked at him.
“Do you?”
He met her eyes.
“I thought because I wasn’t personally keeping your money, I wasn’t stealing from you.”
Then:
“But I took your choice.”
Sophia nodded.
That was closer.