The Department Store

Amelie reflected on all the opportunities she had to communicate with Einar over the past weeks and shook her head in frustration.

"I only speak to him when I see him at the hotel, usually after the benefit events. His opinion of JFC and me, in general, seems to have plummeted."

She deliberately met her husband's gaze as she uttered the last sentence, ensuring he understood where she placed the blame. Richard, unfazed by her subtle jab, continued,

"I beg to differ. I finally managed to secure a proper business meeting with him, and he specifically insisted that you be present as my direct associate. Do you know why he would make such a request?"

Amelie recoiled in her chair, trying to recall her last "long" conversation with Einar. It baffled her that he would want her to play an active role in a business meeting. She was convinced he disliked her, as he always seemed to treat her with nothing but condescension.