Chapter 6 - THE FIANCÉE WHO ALREADY KNEW THEIR NAMES
Claire had prepared herself to meet Ethan's mother again.
She had not prepared herself to discover the woman Ethan planned to marry was connected to her children's inheritance.
"Cora Sterling," she repeated.
Ethan nodded.
"She's Sullivan Group's chief strategy officer."
"And your fiancée."
"Yes."
Claire leaned back.
For the first time that evening, she laughed.
Not because anything was funny.
Because the situation had become almost absurd.
Ten years ago, she had been discarded while pregnant.
Now her children were connected to a trust controlled by her ex-mother-in-law and receiving payments through a company belonging to Ethan's future wife.
Noah adjusted his glasses.
"So this is either exceptionally poor governance or a very interesting conspiracy."
Sophie frowned.
"English, Noah."
"It means something's wrong."
Claire gave him a look.
"Let the adults handle the financial investigation."
Noah nodded.
But his eyes remained sharp.
Ethan turned toward Lucas.
"I want an independent audit."
Lucas looked at Claire.
She nodded.
"Yes."
Ethan continued.
"And I want to know whether Cora received money intended for the children."
Claire watched him.
For years, Ethan had built his company around ruthless efficiency.
Now he was discovering efficiency meant nothing when the people he trusted were lying.
That evening, Cora Sterling appeared at Ethan's penthouse.
She was thirty-six.
Beautiful.
Polished.
Wearing a white designer coat and a diamond engagement ring that caught the light when she raised her hand.
"Ethan, darling."
She approached him.
He didn't kiss her.
Her smile faltered.
"What's wrong?"
He gestured toward the living room.
"We need to talk."
Cora noticed the folder on the table.
Her expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Ethan saw it.
"What's that?"
"Trust records."
She gave a small laugh.
"Why are you reviewing old estate documents?"
"Because my father left money for my children."
Silence.
Cora stared.
"Your what?"
Ethan watched her.
"My children."
She recovered quickly.
"Ethan, you don't have children."
"Actually, I do."
Her face drained of color.
He continued.
"Ten-year-old twins."
Cora sat down.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then whispered:
"Claire Sullivan."
Ethan went still.
He hadn't mentioned Claire's name.
"How do you know?"
Cora looked up.
"What?"
"How do you know their mother's name?"
Her expression tightened.
"Ethan, everyone knows about your first marriage."
He leaned forward.
"Then tell me why your company received payments from a trust established for my descendants."
Cora stared.
"What payments?"
Ethan placed the records before her.
She examined them.
Then shook her head.
"Those were consulting fees."
"For what?"
"Estate planning services."
"Authorized by whom?"
She hesitated.
"Your mother."
Ethan's jaw tightened.
"Did you know the trust beneficiaries were my children?"
Cora stood abruptly.
"You're accusing me of stealing?"
"I'm asking a question."
Her eyes filled.
"I've spent five years helping you build your company."
"Then answer it."
She looked toward the door.
Then whispered:
"Your mother told me the beneficiaries were deceased."
Ethan stopped breathing.
Cora continued.
"She said the trust had to be restructured."
He stared.
"Then why did you never ask for proof?"
Cora's expression hardened.
"Because Victoria assured me everything was legal."
Ethan looked down.
But Cora wasn't finished.
She took a breath.
"There's something else."
He looked up.
"What?"
"Your mother didn't just tell me Claire lost the baby."
Ethan waited.
May you like
Cora's next sentence destroyed what remained of his certainty.
"She told me you personally signed documents relinquishing all parental rights before the divorce."
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