The storm hadn’t started, but the clouds were already gathering.

Linsy stood still inside Michael Helwart’s office, her voice calm, neither too warm nor too distant, like a well-measured breeze before a storm. Her words were clear and cautiously considerate, carefully balancing distance and respect.

“After the divorce,” she said slowly, her eyes fixed on a point just beyond Michael’s shoulder, “I don’t want to be a reason for idle gossip. I’m only thinking of the influence ...