Chapter 45 - The Deal Andrew Refused
Malcolm Pierce had been telling the public that he represented Andrew Whitmore's interests.
Now we had evidence suggesting he'd been involved in pressuring Andrew before his death.
That didn't prove he caused the accident.
But it changed the questions investigators needed to ask.
Evelyn arranged for the recovered invitation and related records to be provided through the appropriate channels.
By the following afternoon, we learned that Pierce had been questioned.
He declined to comment publicly.
His legal representative insisted there was nothing improper about the meeting.
I watched the statement on my office television.
Pierce appeared calm.
Almost bored.
I had learned that confidence could be manufactured as easily as a photograph.
"Do you think he's scared?" I asked Evelyn.
"I can't know what he's feeling."
"Then what do we know?"
"We know there's an authenticated meeting invitation, that his firm received payments connected to the historical dispute, and that Andrew expressed concern about pressure from people handling those matters."
"Enough for charges?"
"That decision belongs to investigators and prosecutors."
I nodded.
The answer wasn't satisfying.
But it was the truth.
Across the room, Samuel Brooks was reviewing a set of financial records.
"Claire," he said suddenly, "look at this."
He had found a draft agreement attached to an old email thread.
The document proposed paying Andrew a substantial sum in exchange for releasing certain claims and agreeing to broad confidentiality provisions.
I scanned the pages.
"How substantial?"
"Thirty million dollars."
Grayson looked up.
"Andrew refused thirty million?"
Samuel nodded.
"According to the correspondence, yes."
I stared at the number.
Thirty million dollars could have changed Oliver's entire future.
But Andrew had refused.
"Why?" I whispered.
Samuel opened the next message.
Andrew had written a reply.
I will not sign an agreement that prevents my brother and sister from learning who they are.
Grayson went completely still.
I watched him read the sentence.
Once.
Twice.
Then he sat down.
"He did it for us."
I took his hand.
"He wanted the truth."
Grayson stared at the screen.
"He didn't even know me."
"That didn't stop him from caring."
For several seconds, my husband said nothing.
Then his expression hardened.
"We're not letting that disappear into a settlement."
Evelyn nodded.
"We'll continue cooperating with the investigation and reviewing the disputed transactions."
That evening, Alexandra arrived in Chicago.
She had taken several days off from the hospital to meet with our legal team and spend time with Grayson.
I greeted her at the door.
She looked tired.
"How's Seattle?" I asked.
"Still raining."
"Chicago isn't much better."
She smiled.
Then Grace appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Who are you?"
Alexandra looked startled.
I laughed.
"Grace, sweetheart, this is your aunt Alexandra."
Grace considered the introduction.
"Do you know how to braid hair?"
Alexandra blinked.
"Actually, yes."
Grace brightened.
"Then we're friends."
I burst out laughing.
Alexandra looked at me.
"That was easier than I expected."
"She's a very practical child."
Within half an hour, Grace had taken Alexandra upstairs to inspect her collection of dolls.
Grayson stood beside me, watching them.
"She fits," he said quietly.
I looked up.
"What?"
"Alexandra. She fits here."
I smiled.
"Of course she does."
He slipped his arm around me.
"I never thought I'd have a sister."
"And now you have one who's apparently been promoted to royal hairdresser."
He laughed.
Then his phone rang.
The chairman of Hale Development was calling.
Sebastian Vale had revised his acquisition proposal.
The new offer included an unusually aggressive deadline and a public statement questioning Grayson's ability to lead during the family dispute.
Grayson listened carefully.
Then he said, "Tell the board I'll attend the meeting tomorrow."
After the call, he looked at me.
"Sebastian wants me out."
I nodded.
"Then he needs to convince the board he's the better choice."
Grayson gave a grim smile.
"He thinks the family scandal makes me weak."
I took his hand.
"Then show him what you've learned from it."
The next morning, Grayson entered the boardroom.
He carried no dramatic photographs.
No hidden recordings.
Just an independently prepared report, a clear account of the company's position, and the truth about the pressure being applied.
But before he could speak, the chairman announced something unexpected.
A major shareholder had requested to address the board.
The doors opened.
And a woman in a tailored white suit stepped inside.
I recognized her immediately.
Victoria Crane.
Sebastian Vale's former wife.
May you like
She looked directly at Grayson.
"Before you vote," she said, "there's something you should know about my ex-husband."
