The force in my answer silenced him.
“I could not leave you unconscious in intensive care to finish invoices.”
“You didn’t have to stay all day after I woke.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
His face tightened.
Dr. Whitcomb intervened gently.
“This is not a useful blame question.”
“It is a practical question,” Noah said.
“No. The practical question is what happens next.”
She looked at me.
“What is the plan?”
“I am negotiating temporary terms with suppliers. Caleb may source the relay assemblies elsewhere. I can delay the yardexpansion. The insurance case manager promised a decision within ten business days.”
“Will the business survive?”
Noah’s voice was quiet.
“Yes.”
I believed it.
I needed him to hear that.
“Yes.”
He searched my face.
“You would tell me if it wouldn’t?”
“I will tell you the truth.”
“Not protect me?”
“Not from the truth. From receiving all of it at once, yes.”
His gaze dropped.
“I hate that.”
“I know.”
Dr. Whitcomb tapped the three categories.
“This is the compromise. Noah receives real information in manageable amounts. Reid does not conceal urgent decisions. Noah does not attempt to absorb every account, legal form, and projection in one sitting.”
