“You attempted to obtain control through coercion and concealment,” the attorney said. “The matter has been referred to the special committee.”
My father turned toward Elias. “Surely we can resolve this privately.”
“Vale Capital has withdrawn from the riverfront project,” Elias replied. “Your banks were notified this morning.”
The champagne bottle slipped from Grant’s hand and smashed against the floor.
One of the investigators stepped toward him. “Grant Mercer, we have warrants to seize your business devices and records. You must preserve all evidence.”
Grant glared across the table. “You planned this.”
“I gave you every chance to stop,” I said. “You mistook silence for surrender.”
My father immediately began negotiating. He offered me the company presidency, the family mansion, and even Grant’s ownership stake. Mother cried and insisted she had only been protecting the family’s reputation.
I looked down at Noah, asleep against my body.
“You rejected a newborn to pressure his mother into surrendering her property,” I said. “You protected only yourselves.”
