Decisions made in this condition can have consequences.”
“So can forging your son’s signature.”
“This family has protected you.”
“No.
This family expected me to remain useful and quiet.”
Marcus looked at the recording phone, then at me.
“I deserve whatever you decide about us,” he said.
“But she cannot bury this.”
Catherine turned on him.
“Think before you become theatrical.
Your acquisition closed less than three hours ago.
The board will not thank you for manufacturing a scandal.”
“I manufactured it in Aspen,” Marcus said.
“You industrialized it.”
The line landed hard enough to silence her.
Then the elevator chimed again.
Jessica stepped into the penthouse wearing a long gray coat over maternity clothes.
Her hair was damp, and one hand gripped the strap of her handbag so tightly her knuckles had blanched.
She stopped when she saw me.
“Elena.”
I did not answer.
Her eyes moved to the folders on the nursery floor, then to Catherine.
“You said she only knew about the chart.”
Marcus turned toward his mother.
“You called Jessica here?”
“I asked her to help clarify the situation.”
Jessica remained near the elevator.
She looked frightened, but I could no longer tell whether she feared losing me, losing the money or losing control of the version of herself she had been performing.
I lifted the custody agreement.
“Did you sign this?”
Jessica’s lips parted.
Catherine answered for her.
“She received independent advice.”
“I asked Jessica.”
Jessica looked at me.
“Yes.”
The word was barely audible.
“Did Marcus know?”
She glanced at him.
“I thought he did.”
“You never told me you were pregnant,” Marcus said.
“I called your private number after the first test.
Your mother answered from your office.”
Catherine remained still.
Jessica continued.
“She met me the next day.
She said you were closing the acquisition and that telling you would destroy everything.
She said she would handle it until the timing was right.”
“And you believed her?” I asked.
“At first.”
“What happened after that?”
Jessica lowered her eyes.
“She offered the agreement.”
“Five million dollars.”
Her face crumpled.
“I was scared.”
