His voice softened. “I tested you. I staged that scene yesterday. I pretended to sleep surrounded by money because I wanted to see what you would do.”
A flicker of hurt crossed her face. “You believed I might steal from you?”
He lowered his gaze. “Yes. And I was deeply wrong.”
Ana inhaled, steady but saddened. “I know hardship, Mr. Avery, but I do not compromise my integrity. My father and my children depend on me to remain honest. Money gained by wrongdoing destroys more than it saves. I would never trade my character for a stack of bills.”
Her words pierced him with more force than he expected. He reached into a drawer and presented an envelope.
“What is this?” she asked.
“A gesture of gratitude,” he replied. “And a sincere apology.”
Inside was a check for one hundred thousand dollars and a short note written in his hand: Thank you for reminding me that goodness still exists.
Ana’s eyes warmed with emotion, though she shook her head slightly. “I do not deserve this. I only did what any decent person should do.”
Callum met her gaze with quiet resolve. “That is precisely why you deserve it.”