Evan's Last Offer
Chapter 14 - Evan's Last Offer
Evan asked for one final meeting through his attorney.
Dana advised against it.
Laura agreed only if both lawyers attended.
They met in a conference room overlooking the harbor.
Evan looked thinner than he had a week earlier. His confidence remained, but it now had sharp edges.
His attorney placed a settlement proposal on the table.
Evan would repay $600,000, surrender any claim connected to Bennett Coastal, and sign a confidentiality agreement.
In exchange, Laura would agree not to pursue further civil action related to the disputed transfers.
Laura read the document slowly.
"Where is the rest of the money?"
Evan's attorney answered, "Some funds were spent on legitimate development expenses."
"For a development I never approved."
Silence.
Evan leaned forward.
"Take the deal, Laura. This gets uglier for everyone if you don't."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's reality. Marisol's involved. Your employees signed documents. Your name is on emails. The press will eat this alive."
Laura closed the folder.
"You still think my greatest fear is embarrassment."
"Isn't it?"
She looked at the man she had planned to marry.
That question explained almost everything.
He had mistaken dignity for weakness. Privacy for fear. Kindness for dependence.
"No," Laura said. "My greatest fear used to be starting over at forty-six. Then I opened a spa door and realized starting over is not the worst thing that can happen to a woman. Staying where she is being deceived is worse."
She pushed the settlement back.
"No deal."
Evan's expression hardened.
"Then don't blame me for what comes next."
Laura stood.
"I already stopped blaming you for what comes next."
May you like
She picked up her bag.
"That's the difference between us."
