Adrian handed him a business card. Andrew Whitmore, chief investment officer, Whitmore Group.
Ethan’s expression changed.
“What does he want?”
“He said, ‘You’ll find out in person.’” Andrew was standing beside the conference room window when Ethan entered.
The two men had met only once years earlier. Neither had liked the other.
Ethan forced a smile.
“Long time.”
Andrew ignored the greeting.
“I’m here on Claire’s behalf.”
“So she’s hiding behind her family now.”
“No.”
Andrew calmly placed a folder on the table.
“She’s protecting herself.”
Ethan opened it. Inside was a formal notice.
Effective immediately, every investment connected to Claire’s personal interests had been frozen pending legal review. His smile disappeared.
“You can’t do this.”
“We already did.”
“This affects my company.”
Andrew met his eyes.
“Exactly.”
Ethan closed the folder harder than necessary.
“This is revenge.”
“No,” Andrew replied evenly.
“It’s called due diligence.”
For the rest of the day, Ethan barely left his office. His legal department confirmed the notice was valid.
Several pending transactions had to be delayed. Two lenders requested additional documentation.
Nothing catastrophic. Yet, still, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
