Chapter 4 - Claire Cancels the Meeting
Claire called her own estate attorney the next morning.
Not Ethan’s attorney.
Hers.
Caroline Brooks had represented Claire’s mother before handling the estate after her death. Claire forwarded every document Ethan had sent regarding Tuesday’s financing meeting.
Caroline called back within forty minutes.
“You haven't signed any of this?”
“No.”
“Good.”
The proposed guarantee itself was legitimate.
What bothered Caroline was its scope.
Ethan’s company needed $1.4 million in replacement financing after a lender declined to renew part of its existing credit facility.
Claire had been told the money was for two projects nearing completion.
The documents showed something broader.
If Claire guaranteed the debt, the lender could pursue the pledged property if Ethan’s company failed to repay.
“That doesn't mean Ethan expects failure,” Caroline said carefully. “But this is not a casual marital favor.”
Claire thought of Monica saying once she was gone.
“Cancel Tuesday.”
Caroline did.
Ethan called eleven minutes later.
“You canceled the meeting?”
“Yes.”
“We needed to discuss it.”
“I almost fell two stories yesterday.”
“Monica pushed you. I didn't.”
Claire closed her eyes.
There it was.
The first attempt to separate the two betrayals.
“You brought her into my home.”
“That was before anything happened.”
“You lied about where she came from.”
Silence.
Claire continued.
“How long, Ethan?”
“Claire, don't do this over the phone.”
She nearly laughed.
He had apparently found a limit on which betrayals were appropriate for telecommunications.
“I’m not signing your guarantee.”
Ethan's voice changed.
Not angry.
May you like
Afraid.
“You don't understand what happens if you don't.”
