There is no relationship. This is elaborate fiction. Victoria created because she was panicking about her stalker ex-fiance. Mr. Carter, I understand you're trying to be honest, but honesty in this situation is liability. Jennifer set down her tablet.
Here's reality. That photograph is on every business news site in Chicago. Marcus Ashford is currently calling board members telling them Victoria has been lying about her personal life. If we don't construct believable timeline, the board will question her judgment. The Meridian Holdings partnership collapses.
She paused. We need you to commit to this narrative completely or we end this arrangement now before more damage is done. Ethan thought about Victoria's face last night. The terror in her eyes when she'd seen Marcus. How he'd already said yes and backing out now would leave her worse off.
"What do you need me to say?" Relief flickered across Jennifer's professional composure. Tell me about your work history, education, family background, anything that explains who you are beyond maintenance worker. For 40 minutes, Ethan walked Jennifer through his life. High school graduation, but no college.
Sarah got pregnant senior year. They decided to get married instead of pursuing degrees they couldn't afford. emergency response training through a community program because Ethan was good in crisis situations. Five years on a rescue team before Sarah died and he quit because he couldn't handle the pressure anymore. Three jobs now. $42,000 a year. $180,000 in debt. Two-bedroom apartment.
Lily in state subsidized preschool. Mrs. Rodriguez as unpaid child care. Jennifer typed everything without judgment. The rescue team training is good. We can emphasize that makes you sound more capable.
She scrolled through notes. The deceased wife is sympathetic, but we need to be careful not to make it sound like Victoria is rebound. How long ago did she die? 3 years. And her name was Sarah, not "the deceased wife."
Of course, I apologize. Jennifer's voice softened marginally. 3 years is appropriate grieving period. We can work with that timeline. They spent another hour constructing the narrative.
Ethan and Victoria met professionally. He'd been doing maintenance work at a conference where she was speaking. They'd encountered each other multiple times over subsequent months. Started talking. Discovered unexpected connection despite economic differences.
Relationship developed slowly. Neither rushing. Ethan had Lily to consider. Victoria had her career. They got married at courthouse 11 months ago.