You’re invited in to have an off-the-record conversation. You may only be a sounding board, but you can still shape things. Start floating ideas out one at a time.
Criticism is an art. Anyone can spot a fault, but it’s the exceptional mind that finds a way to turn that fault into a plus.
If you want an apology, then be gracious about it. Standing there with arms akimbo won’t make it forthcoming.
You were fixed on one outcome but now it looks like there are alternatives to consider. You’ll need to reassess how to proceed from here.
Skepticism takes a holiday when someone you were sure would say no accepts instead. Moreover this person wants to help. Don’t spare the requests.
Think about what you’re truly capable of doing at work. An accurate assessment of your abilities (more than ambition) ultimately leads to a happy fit.
