Theo's hard face softened when he heard her comments. "I've been a fool," he said, sounding sorry. "I couldn't keep my grandson in check. You must be in a lot of pain if you're resigning from the company and getting a divorce. This check is my way of saying I'm sorry for being rude to you. Start a business, open a store, do whatever you want."

She wasn't ready for his unexpected honesty. She looked at the huge number on the check and thought for a while.

Theo pushed it into her hand. "Take this, and you're done with us. I'll tell everyone to stop looking at you. You will...