The Boardroom Ambush
Chapter 08 - The Boardroom Ambush
Every signature looked like Ethan’s.
Every authorization carried his security code.
Every transfer had been sent through an account connected to his office.
Lauren presented the case slowly, reluctantly, as if accusing Ethan caused her unbearable pain.
It was a flawless performance.
“I don’t want to believe this,” she told the board. “But we have a responsibility to the families we serve.”
Ethan looked toward Vivian.
“Say something.”
Vivian sat at the far end of the table.
Her expression revealed nothing.
The board’s attorney recommended that Ethan be suspended while the records were investigated.
Lauren volunteered to assume his responsibilities.
“Of course you did,” Ethan said.
Lauren flinched for the room.
“You need help.”
“My wife nearly died.”
“And perhaps guilt is making you unstable.”
Ethan walked toward her, but Vivian rose.
“That is enough.”
Everyone turned.
Vivian announced that she supported Ethan’s temporary suspension.
The betrayal struck harder than Lauren’s accusation.
Ethan stared at his mother.
“You know I didn’t do this.”
“I know what I believe. The board must act on what it can establish.”
“You mean what protects the company.”
Vivian did not answer.
Ethan removed his access card and placed it on the table.
Lauren reached for it.
He covered it with his hand.
“You’ve wanted my chair since we were children.”
“No,” Lauren said softly. “I wanted you to deserve it.”
Ethan left without another word.
Outside the building, reporters surrounded him.
Someone had leaked the story before the meeting ended.
They shouted questions about stolen housing funds, Claire’s crash and the condition of their marriage.
Ethan did not respond.
When he returned to Jefferson Towers, Claire was sitting with Rosa at the kitchen table.
She knew before he spoke.
“Your mother voted against you,” Claire said.
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ethan sat across from her.
“I need you to come home with me.”
“Our home was broken into.”
“I can protect you.”
“You couldn’t protect me from your family.”
The words cut through him.
Claire regretted them, but she did not apologize.
Ethan’s phone vibrated again.
A news alert filled the screen.
The headline claimed Claire had secretly taken prescription sedatives before the crash and had fabricated threats to hide her addiction.
Attached to the article was a page from her confidential hospital chart.
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Only one person had admitted knowing what medication Claire received.
Lauren had just declared war on her in public.
