Veronica's POV
Under normal circumstances, I would have felt like I was riding an emotional rollercoaster—wronged one second, then receiving such tremendous recognition the next. Yet I remained composed, my face showing no trace of disturbance, as though I stood apart from everything unfolding around me.
Lachlan extended the million-dollar bonus check toward me, but I made no move to take it.
"I appreciate the police department's acknowledgment," I replied, "but the million isn't something I require. I'd prefer Lachlan to give this bonus to the victims' families instead. The compensation matters more to them than it does to me. Even if it's only a modest sum, I hope it brings them some relief."
My decision caught everyone off guard. Turning down the million while prioritizing the bereaved families demonstrated a generosity that left them humbled and deeply moved.
Lachlan felt genuinely touched, his respect for me expanding immensely.
