Chapter 13 - Everything He Knew
Rachel opened the drive the next morning under police supervision.
It contained 4,812 files.
The first fifty were enough.
Ethan authorizing surveillance exceptions.
Ethan discussing the forged guarantee with Charles.
Ethan ordering Natalie to process transfers from Harbor.
Ethan telling Victor to "keep Clara away from the board until after the wedding."
Clara listened without moving.
Then came a recording from six weeks earlier.
Ethan and Olivia were arguing.
"I'm marrying her because I love her," Ethan said.
Olivia replied, "You're marrying her because we need her balance sheet. Love is a luxury."
"I won't let you hurt her."
"You already did. You just haven't told her yet."
Clara stopped the playback.
Ethan sat across from her in an interview room.
He looked wrecked.
"I loved you," he said.
Clara's voice was steady. "You loved me and used me. Those can exist in the same person. That's what makes it worse."
He began to cry.
"I thought I could fix it before you knew."
"You keep saying that like secrecy was kindness."
"I was afraid."
Ethan nodded.
For the first time, he did not argue.
A detective entered.
"Mr. Sterling, we need to speak with you about the forged guarantee and the Harbor transfers."
Ethan stood.
Before leaving, he looked at Clara.
"Was there ever a version of today where you forgave me?"
Clara thought about the pool.
Her mother underwater.
His champagne glass still raised.
"Maybe before you watched and did nothing."
He lowered his eyes and walked out.
Martin entered a minute later holding new papers.
"The board called an emergency meeting."
"When?"
"Tonight."
"What do they want?"
He handed her the agenda.
At the top was one item:
REMOVAL OF OLIVIA STERLING AND APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHAIR.
May you like
Below it was a proposed name.
Clara Devereux.
