Three days later, another problem landed on Ethan’s desk. A major institutional investor postponed signing a financing agreement.
The explanation was brief, pending clarification regarding ownership disclosures. Ethan immediately called the investor.
“We’ve worked together for six years.”
“We have.”
“So what’s changed?”
A pause followed.
“Questions.”
“What questions?”
“The kind that appear when lawyers start freezing assets.”
The call ended politely, but the message was unmistakable. Confidence was slipping.
That afternoon, Vanessa walked into Ethan’s office carrying coffee.
“You’ve barely slept.”
“I’m busy.”
She placed the cup on his desk.
“This Claire situation—can’t you just settle it?”
“I’m trying.”
She hesitated.
“Maybe you should apologize.”
Ethan looked up.
“For what?”
Vanessa blinked.
