It must be hard to accept that the person you invested 15 years developing turned out to be someone who'd weaponize that trust. They stood in silence for a moment. Thomas processing Ethan's words with expression, suggesting he wasn't used to being challenged by people without business degrees and stock portfolios. Finally, Thomas spoke, voice carrying less hostility than when he'd arrived. Victoria says, "You're good with Lily, that you're patient, father."
I try to be. Sarah was better at it than I am, but I'm learning. My wife died when Victoria was 19. Cancer that we fought for two years before accepting we were going to lose. Thomas's voice went quieter.
I wasn't good at being both parents afterward. Focused on business instead of helping Victoria process her grief. When she told me she was engaged to Marcus, I encouraged it because I thought she needed partner to share burden of running Sterling Capital. He turned to face Ethan directly. But maybe what she actually needed was someone who understood what it meant to lose person who defined your world and still have to keep functioning for people who depend on you.
The vulnerability in Thomas's voice was unexpected. Crack in the authoritative facade revealing man who'd made mistakes he couldn't fix. Ethan didn't know how to respond except with equal honesty. I don't know if I'm that person for Victoria. We're still figuring out what we are to each other, but I know that when she needed help, I was there.
And I'll keep being there for as long as she needs me. Thomas studied Ethan for a long moment, then nodded with something that might have been approval. The board meeting is this morning. I'm going to recommend approval of the Meridian Partnership and I'm going to tell the members who've been questioning Victoria's judgment that her personal life is none of their concern as long as Sterling Capital continues performing at current levels. Thank you, sir.
Oh, don't thank me. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it because Victoria is my daughter and I should have been protecting her from Marcus instead of questioning her decisions. Thomas moved toward the door, then paused. But Ethan, if you hurt her, if you're playing some long game, I can't see.
I will use every resource I have to destroy you. Am I clear? Crystal clear, sir? After Thomas left, Ethan found Victoria standing in the hallway, dressed for the board meeting in suit that probably cost what Ethan used to earn in a month. She'd clearly heard the entire conversation.
Been waiting to see if Ethan would defend her to her father without her present. You didn't have to do that. Stand up to him. Yes, I did. Someone needed to tell him that Marcus is the problem, not you.
Victoria crossed the space between them and pulled Ethan into hug that was tight enough to communicate emotions she wasn't voicing. He held her, aware that they were blurring lines between fake and real, faster than was probably safe. When she pulled back, her eyes were bright with tears. She was fighting. Thank you for everything.
For lying to my father just now to protect our story. For defending me when you barely know me. I wasn't lying to your father. Everything I said about defending you from Marcus was true. The marriage might be fake, but my belief that you deserve better than what he's doing to you is real."