"Thelma. Apologize to her." Anger flashed across Benedict's face, edged with impatience.
"Then she owes me an apology for slander," I fired back.
"Athena isn't like that. Someone under her probably dug these up, and she rushed over to tell me." Benedict was making excuses for her.
"Then she should apologize for throwing unverified photos in your face," I pressed, refusing to yield.
"If you still want this contract, apologize." Benedict's voice hardened into a command.
I looked at Athena standing there, triumphant. Then at Benedict, her willing accomplice. Then I remembered why I'd come here in the first place.
A smile slid onto my face in an instant. I'd perfected that skill during years of corporate servitude.
I took Athena's wrist, the same one she claimed I'd bruised, and said gently, "Athena, my temper got the better of me. I'm sorry." Then I turned to Benedict with a warm smile.
"And Mr. Fox, please don't be upset. Athena is just so trusting, she's bound to make mistakes sometimes. I'll help you keep an eye on her from now on."
Athena opened her mouth to find fault but couldn't land a single blow. She stood off to the side, fuming in silence.