Transfers between related companies are normal.
Harrison is using incomplete records to frighten you.”
“Did you take thirty-one million dollars?” I asked.
“Do not be childish.”
“That wasn’t an answer.”
My mother’s face tightened.
“Charlotte, your father has supported this family for decades.
After humiliating Ethan in front of everyone, the least you can do is stop making accusations.”
I looked at her carefully.
She had seen me fall.
She had watched the ambulance take me away.
Yet her first concern was still the appearance of the family.
Mr.
Harrison placed another page on the blanket.
It was an email chain between my father and the finance director.
The most recent message had been sent three days before the gala.
If Charlotte refuses again, we proceed publicly.
She will not embarrass us in that room.
Below it, the finance director had asked what would happen if I still refused.
My father’s reply contained four words.
Then we discredit her.
Ethan read over my mother’s shoulder.
His face changed.
“You said she had already agreed,” he said.
Father’s gaze snapped toward him.
“This does not concern you.”
“It was my birthday.
My jet.”
“It was never your jet,” I said.
Ethan stared at the purchase agreement.
For once, he looked less like the golden son than a child discovering the stage beneath him was hollow.
“You told me the company had its strongest year ever.”
Father stepped closer.
“And it will, once this temporary issue is resolved.”
“With her money?”
“With family capital.”
I almost laughed, but the movement hurt my ribs.
Mr.
Harrison closed the file halfway.
“There is more.”
My father’s control finally slipped.
“That is enough.”
He reached for the folder.
Mr.
Harrison pulled it away.
The hospital monitor accelerated as my father moved toward him.
Ethan stepped between them.
It was a small movement, but everyone noticed.
Father stopped inches from his son.
“Move.”
Ethan did not.
“You pushed her,” he said.
My mother inhaled sharply.
“Ethan.”
“I saw you.” His voice trembled, but he kept standing there.
“Security had already let go of her.
