Chapter 5 - The Corporate Collapse
By Monday morning, the fallout from the gala was absolute.
The board of directors of Apex Global held an emergency session at 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, a press release was issued: Nathan Moretti had been placed on indefinite, unpaid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the misappropriation of corporate funds and ethical violations.
I sat in Evelyn’s office, reviewing the financial audit results.
"Nathan’s major investors have pulled out," Evelyn explained, sliding a corporate memorandum across her desk. "Over twelve million dollars in venture capital was withdrawn this morning. The board is offering to buyout Nathan's remaining equity shares to save the firm from total bankruptcy."
"And what happens to his shares?" I asked.
"Because he used marital funds to finance his illicit activities with Piper, the court has frozen his personal equity," Evelyn said with a triumphant smile. "In short, Claire, you now control the voting majority of his former corporate shares."
My phone rang. It was Nathan.
I answered it, putting it on speakerphone so Evelyn could listen.
"Claire," Nathan’s voice sounded hollow, broken, and completely stripped of his former arrogance. "Please. You have to talk to the board. They're pushing me out of my own company. The company I spent fifteen years building!"
"You built that company on my back, Nathan," I said calmly. "While I was at home raising Maddie, managing our household, and covering for your endless excuses."
"I have nothing left!" Nathan sobbed—actual, desperate tears coming through the line. "Piper’s lawyer dropped her after the felony charges were upgraded! She’s facing trial, Claire! And my legal fees are wiping me out! Please... for Maddie’s sake, don't take everything from me!"
"Do not use Maddie as a shield, Nathan," I said, my voice hardening like cold iron. "You didn't think about Maddie when you grabbed my wrist outside Bellini’s. You didn't think about Maddie when you transferred our family savings into Piper’s luxury condo. You only care about Maddie when you need someone to pity you."
"Claire, please—"
May you like
"My attorney will handle all future communication regarding the equity buyout," I interrupted. "And as for custody... Maddie has requested a formal interview with the court guardian next week. She will tell the judge where she wants to live."
I hung up the phone before he could reply, feeling a profound wave of relief wash over my chest. The man who had spent months attempting to gaslight me into believing I was crazy, controlling, and broken was now begging for mercy from the very woman he had discarded.
