Margaret watched, pale and trembling.

“You think this makes you better than me?” she muttered.

I smiled softly. “No, Margaret. It means Anna matters more.”

For the rest of the night, she stayed silent. Guests began approaching me, curious, respectful, asking about my company. But I didn’t boast. I only wanted Anna to have her happy ending.

Later, as I slipped out, a text appeared from my senior manager: You could’ve destroyed her tonight. Why didn’t you?

I replied: Because vengeance satisfies — but love redeems.

Margaret would go home knowing exactly how close she came to disaster. That was enough.