Chapter 13 - RICHARD’S OFFER
Richard requested a private meeting with Michael and Willow.
His attorneys proposed a secure conference room in the federal courthouse.
Willow agreed only if the discussion was recorded.
Richard entered wearing a gray suit without his family crest cuff links.
He looked smaller without assistants and security guards.
He placed a settlement proposal on the table.
Michael would receive two hundred and fifty million dollars.
Willow would receive the gallery building, the Lake Forest guesthouse, and a lifetime trust.
Amanda and Claire would receive additional payments.
In exchange, everyone would withdraw civil claims and request leniency for the family.
Willow closed the folder.
“You still believe every harm has a purchase price.”
Richard looked at Michael.
“You understand business.”
“I understand repair.”
Michael placed the forged assignment beside the original contract.
“You cannot repair metal by painting over a crack.”
“You remove the damaged section.”
“You rebuild it correctly.”
Richard leaned forward.
“If this continues, the company may lose government contracts.”
“People will lose jobs.”
“Then cooperate with the independent board.”
“Admit what you stole.”
“Return the money.”
“Testify against those who helped you.”
Richard laughed bitterly.
“You want me to destroy my name.”
“No,” Willow said.
“You did that in the ballroom.”
Richard looked at her cheek.
The swelling had faded, but yellow bruising remained near her jaw.
“For what it is worth, Lucas should not have struck you.”
“You smiled.”
His eyes moved away.
“You smiled because you believed the slap restored order.”
Richard denied it.
Willow played Helena’s video.
The image froze on his expression.
Satisfaction.
Not shock.
Not concern.
Richard’s shoulders lowered.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“The truth.”
“That is not a legal demand.”
“It is the only offer you have left.”
Richard stared at Michael.
Then he admitted that the technology belonged to him.
He admitted forging the assignment.
He admitted encouraging the marriage because Michael’s silence benefited Sterling Mobility.
He denied ordering Lucas to hit Willow.
Michael pushed the recorder closer.
“Did you instruct him to force her to sign away my claim?”
“Yes.”
“Did you instruct Celeste to investigate my family?”
“Yes.”
“Did you threaten Amanda’s family?”
“Yes.”
Each answer removed another stone from the empire.
Richard agreed to provide complete records in exchange for prosecutors considering his cooperation.
When the meeting ended, he paused beside Willow.
“Lucas did love you.”
Willow looked at him.
“Then your family taught him that love meant control.”
Richard had no answer.
Outside the courthouse, reporters announced that Lucas had escaped during transport to a medical evaluation.
A guard had been injured.
May you like
The vehicle was found beneath Lower Wacker Drive.
Inside was a photograph of Willow’s father.
