Chapter 13 - The Meeting Upstairs
By morning, Julian had a new story.
Alexander was unstable.
His current wife had deceived him.
His former wife had resurfaced with serious psychiatric problems.
And a hotel employee was exploiting both women for money.
The statement reached the news before I had washed the hospital smell off my hands.
My manager called.
I expected him to ask whether I was safe.
Instead, he cleared his throat.
“Mara, corporate thinks you should take leave.”
“Paid?”
“We haven’t determined—”
“Then determine it.”
He paused.
“They’re concerned about your handling of guest footage.”
“I preserved evidence and gave it to investigators.”
“I understand.”
“No.
You understand who owns the hotel’s loan.”
He said nothing.
That was answer enough.
I hung up.
Alexander heard the last part.
“I can fix that.”
I turned on him.
“You don’t get to buy your way into being the good one.”
He took the hit.
Then nodded.
“What can I do?”
“Tell the truth even when it costs you.”
At nine, Rebecca obtained an emergency court order preventing further movement of the disputed shares while the documents were reviewed.
At nine twenty, Julian’s attorneys challenged it.
At nine forty, Vanessa agreed to provide her phone.
Her attorney had negotiated nothing final.
She was cooperating because the walls were closing in.
I did not confuse that with courage.
But the phone mattered.
Messages between her and Cynthia described rehearsed appointment stories, purchased padding, and dates when Elise had been examined.
One message from Cynthia read:
Dad wants the announcement before the board vote.
Dad meant Julian.
Vanessa had been calling her father-in-law Dad.
Family language laid over something rotten.
At ten fifteen, Alexander joined the board meeting by video from a private hospital room.
Rebecca sat beside him.
Ortiz stood outside taking calls.
I waited in the hall.
Through the open door, I heard Julian.
“My son is overwhelmed.”
Alexander answered evenly.
“My wife was alive when you told me she was dead.”
“We have discussed this.”
“No.
You have spoken.
I have listened.
That ends today.”
Julian started to respond.
Alexander shared the trust amendment.
Then the missing-person report.
Then the proof that the pregnancy records presented under Vanessa’s name belonged to Elise.
Rebecca stopped him from sharing anything investigators needed protected.
There were limits.
For once, he followed them.
Finally, Alexander said, “I’m requesting your immediate suspension.”
Julian smiled at the camera.
“You’ll need the votes.”
Rebecca checked her phone.
Her face changed.
“What?” Alexander asked.
May you like
She looked toward the hallway.
“Cynthia just tried to move the shares anyway.”
