Chapter 7
Ethan exploded.
“You can't suspend me! I am Sterling Dynamics!”
I looked at him.
“No. You are its CEO.”
He pointed at me.
“You think you can run a technology company?”
I didn't answer immediately.
Instead, I turned to the directors.
“Four years ago, this company had less than six months of operating cash. My investment saved it from insolvency.”
I opened another document.
“Since then, I have personally reviewed the quarterly financial reports, approved additional capital commitments, and worked with the patent licensing team.”
The directors exchanged glances.
They knew those facts.
They had simply never discussed them in Ethan's presence.
“I don't intend to become CEO,” I continued. “A company of this size deserves an experienced professional management team, not a marriage disguised as corporate governance.”
Then I looked at Ethan.
“And it deserves leadership that understands the difference between company assets and personal privileges.”
David distributed the proposed resolutions.
An independent investigation.
Immediate suspension of Ethan's executive authority.
Temporary restrictions on access to sensitive financial systems.
Appointment of an interim CEO.
All subject to the company's governing documents and the appropriate board approvals.
The directors reviewed the proposals.
Then the vote began.
One hand rose.
Then another.
Then another.
The resolutions passed unanimously among the directors entitled to vote.
Ethan looked around the room.
Men and women who had once laughed at his jokes and praised his every decision were now avoiding his eyes.
He turned toward me.
“Clara, please.”
It was the first time he had used that word in months.
“Don't do this.”
I studied the man I had loved since I was twenty-six.
I remembered our wedding.
The small apartment we shared before the money.
The nights he fell asleep at his desk while I brought him coffee.
I had loved that man.
But somewhere along the way, he had decided that loyalty meant obedience.
“Ethan,” I said softly, “you did this.”
He lowered his head.
Security arrived a few minutes later.
As he was escorted toward the door, Chloe hurried after him.
“Ethan, wait!”
He turned on her.
“Stay away from me.”
She stopped.
“You promised we'd be together!”
He looked at her with undisguised contempt.
“You've ruined everything.”
She laughed through sudden tears.
“I ruined everything? You told me your wife was useless! You told me she didn't understand business! You told me you'd own the entire company by Christmas!”
Every person in the boardroom heard her.