Chapter 8 - THE COST OF A GOOD NAME
“What payment?” Ethan asked.
Audrey looked toward Naomi, who stood near the door.
“This is a family conversation.”
“Two people died,” Ethan said. “You don't get to call that private.”
His mother flinched.
She had approved foundation money for an emergency loan to Victor's development company. Marcus had called it a temporary bridge. The money would return before the annual review.
“And when it didn't?” Ethan asked.
“He said the project needed more time.”
“So you gave him more money.”
She said nothing.
Naomi asked, “Did Helen bring you the numbers?”
Audrey's eyes filled.
“She wanted a meeting. Marcus said she was making accusations she couldn't support.”
“You didn't meet her.”
“No.”
“I didn't know anyone would be hurt,” Audrey said.
Naomi's voice stayed level.
“She was already being hurt when she asked you for help.”
Ethan called his new attorney in front of his mother. He described what she had said and asked for it to be included in the review.
Audrey started crying then. He stayed beside her, but he did not hang up.
Vanessa arrived during dinner and found her place at the table empty.
“We need to talk,” Ethan said.
“If this is about your maid—”
“The wedding is off.”
She stared at him, then gave a short laugh.
“You're upset. We'll talk when you're rational.”
“I'm talking now.”
She set her purse down carefully.
“Do you understand what happens to your mother if my father stops protecting her?”
Ethan went still.
“That's an interesting way to describe a loan.”
Vanessa realized what she had said.
“You know what I mean.”
“For the first time, I think I do.”
The gala was eight days away. Invitations had promised an engagement celebration and a major foundation announcement. Ethan sent a correction: the evening would address the foundation's future. No engagement would be celebrated.
Vanessa remained a trustee until the board could act. She announced that she would attend.
“Try keeping me out of a charity my family helped build.”
After she left, Ethan's new accountant called.
North Quay had received millions.
May you like
The property was an empty warehouse.
And another payment was scheduled for the morning after the gala.
