Chapter 13 - The Deadline
The board postponed the sale and placed Richard on leave while outside counsel examined the records. He still owned a large stake in the company, and he made it clear he would fight the decision.
By evening, news of the delayed deal had reached reporters. Valerie’s name hadn’t appeared, but she knew that might change.
Maya requested an order protecting Lucy’s privacy in the civil case they were preparing. Owen worked with the board to secure the school’s lease while the investigation continued. None of it happened as quickly as Valerie needed.
“I have parents asking whether they should find another school,” she told me on the phone. “I need an answer I can give them tomorrow.”
I asked Grant Ellis for the lease file. He sent it within an hour. Hidden among the amendments was a clause allowing the board to extend the nonprofit’s occupancy if the planned sale failed. Owen confirmed that the adjourned vote had triggered it.
I brought the signed extension to the school before opening. Valerie read every line, then let out a breath.
“June next year,” she said.
“It buys time.”
“It gives the kids a place to come on Monday.”
She pinned a copy near the office door so the staff could see it.
At ten, Maya called. The DNA result was ready. We met at her office, where Valerie insisted on reading it first. Her eyes moved over the page. Then she handed it to me.
The probability of paternity was greater than 99.9 percent.
I had known what it would say. Still, seeing the result made Lucy’s whole life rush at me: first steps I hadn’t seen, fevers I hadn’t helped with, birthdays I hadn’t known to celebrate.
Valerie watched me carefully. “Are you okay?”
“No,” I said. “But I’m here.”
Maya explained the next steps. Valerie wanted me named legally as Lucy’s father, with a gradual plan for visits that Lucy could handle. I agreed.
My phone rang before we could discuss a date for the first visit. It was Chloe.
“Richard has filed a complaint against Valerie,” she said.
“For what?”
“He claims she entered the lounge intending to approach you for money. He’s asking for an order barring her from contacting Sterling executives.”
Valerie heard every word. She stood and reached for her coat.
Maya was already opening her laptop. “We’ll respond today.”
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Then Chloe added, “Carter, he attached a statement from someone who says Valerie told her about a plan to meet you at JFK.”
The witness was Valerie’s sister, Nina.
