Chapter 22 - Chloe learns her father was not perfect
The danger of restoring Daniel’s credit was turning him into a saint.
He was not.
Chloe began romanticizing him.
“Dad would never sign bad contracts.”
“He signed several.”
She looked offended.
“Why?”
“Because musicians need money.”
“Victor tricked him.”
“Sometimes. Sometimes Dad accepted terms because he wanted the job.”
“Did Dad know Victor used his ideas?”
“On some projects, yes.”
“So Dad let him?”
“Some.”
Chloe hated complexity.
Good.
I showed her Daniel’s invoices.
One project:
Victor supplied melody.
Daniel orchestrated.
Credit correct.
Another:
Daniel received a large fee and signed work-for-hire language.
Credit minimal.
His choice.
Then The Lantern Sea.
Different.
“If we say Victor stole everything, we erase places where Dad agreed.”
“Why care?”
“Because truth is not more respectful when we improve it.”
She stared.
Then:
“Dad was bad at contracts.”
“Yes.”
“Was he good at music?”
“Very.”
That answer she liked.
We could love the real man.
May you like
No mythology required.
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