Send it to Jennifer immediately and send a copy to my father and to every board member who questioned my judgment about Marcus. The recording went viral within hours because Jennifer strategically leaked it to media outlets that had been covering Victoria's marriage. Audio of Marcus threatening a 4-year-old child while making explicit threats about destroying Ethan's life played on every news station in Chicago. By Monday morning, the narrative shifted instantly and completely. Marcus Ashford was no longer concerned board adviser questioning CEO's judgment.
He was unhinged ex-fiance threatening children on camera while simultaneously embezzling millions from company he'd been trusted to protect. The Sterling Capital Board called emergency meeting Monday afternoon. Thomas Sterling formally recommended Victoria's Meridian Holdings Partnership be approved unanimously. Every board member who'd questioned her judgment about Ethan issued formal apologies. Marcus was formally removed from all advisory positions.
Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday morning they were charging Marcus with wire fraud embezzlement and multiple counts of financial crimes carrying maximum sentences that would keep him incarcerated until he was elderly. Wednesday afternoon, Victoria received confirmation that Meridian Holdings contracts were finalized. $2 billion in committed partnership capital. Sterling Capital stock hit record highs. Business Press published think pieces about how Victoria had successfully navigated personal crisis while closing historically significant deal. Wednesday evening, Victoria came home earlier than usual.
Ethan was helping Lily with her drawing at the kitchen counter. Crayons spread across the surface. Paper covered with attempts at cats that looked more like purple blobs with whiskers. Victoria sat down her bag and stood watching them for a moment. something in her expression that Ethan couldn't quite read. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Victoria's voice was strange. Too careful. Everything actually went right for once. Meridian contracts are signed.
Marcus is finished. The board apologized. Then why do you look like someone just died? Victoria sat down on the stool across from them. Lily looked up and smiled at her, then returned to her drawing.
Because I just realized what all of that means. Ethan waited. It means the crisis is over. Marcus is facing federal charges. My position is secure.
The contracts are signed. Victoria paused. It means our arrangement, the fake marriage, the living together, all of it is no longer necessary. The words landed like physical blow. Ethan had known this was coming. had known from the beginning that their arrangement had expiration date, but somewhere in the past two weeks, he'd stopped thinking about the ending.
Right. He kept his voice neutral. The two weeks are up. We agreed you'd help me figure out how to exit without destroying what you accomplished. That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
Victoria's hands were clasped on the counter, knuckles white with tension. She was trying to hide. Jennifer says the cleanest approach is gradual separation. We announce we're taking time apart due to pressures of recent events. After a few months, quiet divorce, no drama, no accusations, just two people who tried and couldn't make it work.