Chapter 3
I looked down at my wedding ring.
Then David delivered the final blow.
“They’ve also been preparing a plan to pressure you into signing away your voting rights.”
My voice sounded strangely calm.
“How?”
“Ethan planned to convince you that the company needed restructuring. Chloe drafted the paperwork. His mother has been helping him persuade you to sign.”
I remembered my mother-in-law repeatedly telling me that a good wife should trust her husband with financial matters.
Suddenly, every conversation made sense.
They hadn't simply been disrespecting me.
They had been preparing to take everything.
“David,” I said, “send the evidence to my attorney.”
“Already done.”
“And tell the board secretary I’ll attend tomorrow’s meeting.”
“Clara, Ethan doesn’t know you’re coming.”
I looked at my father’s photograph on the desk.
“Good.”
The Flight That Never Reached Its Destination
At 6:42 that evening, Ethan finally called.
I let it ring twice before answering.
“Where the hell are you?”
No greeting.
No apology.
Just anger.
“At my father’s house.”
“You embarrassed me in front of my entire executive team.”
I glanced at the blue folder beside me.
“Did I?”
“Chloe was sick, Clara. You acted like a jealous teenager.”
“Then I hope she’s feeling better.”
He exhaled sharply.
“Listen carefully. Tomorrow morning, we’re having an important board meeting. I need you there at eight-thirty to sign some documents.”
I almost smiled.
“What documents?”
“Routine restructuring paperwork.”
“Send them to my lawyer.”
Silence.
Then his tone changed.
“Clara, don’t start acting difficult.”
“I’m not being difficult. I’m asking to review what you want me to sign.”
“My mother was right about you.”
I leaned back in my chair.
“What did she say?”
“That your father spoiled you. That you’ve never understood what it takes to build a real business.”
For a moment, I felt the old instinct to defend myself.
Then I remembered the orange segments falling onto his trousers.
The smirk on Chloe’s face.
The executives pretending not to notice.
And the four years I had spent making myself invisible.
“Ethan, where are you right now?”
“At the airport. Our flight was delayed because of some ridiculous ownership verification issue.”
I glanced at the clock.
The aircraft had never taken off.
“Interesting.”
“Don’t play games. The aviation company says the flight authorization has to be reconfirmed.”
“That sounds important.”
“Clara!”
I heard Chloe in the background.
“Baby, just tell her to stop being dramatic.”