Chapter 9

• Richard
• After a silent consultation with myself, Andrea leaves the office without saying anything else. From what I can see, Mrs. Montero is a force to be reckoned with despite the years weighing on her body. I study her face, hardened by the sorrows that surround her. Living through her husband’s illness only to eventually lose him, and then having to mourn her only son. I suppose parents expect to say goodbye to their children, not the other way around.
• “I suppose you imagined that because of my age, I was a fragile woman,” she says, breaking the silence as she observes me keenly. “Let me clarify something for you, Mr. Mobasseri. You are mistaken in making such assumptions about me. Furthermore, we are not currently negotiating anything, so the presence of your assistant is unnecessary,” she says with the simplicity of her status. She points to the chair in front of her desk and still analyzes her words. I take the seat she offers.