“They were my decisions. I trusted the wrong
people.”
“And now you trusted them again.”
“No,” he said. “I thought the marriage would put you beyond their reach.”
I almost dropped the phone.
“You married me into the family to protect me from the family?”
“You would have Ethan’s name. His legal protections. A settlement secured independently from the company.”
“He was unconscious.”
“That was why the arrangement seemed safe.”
The truth settled over me with terrifying clarity.
“You didn’t expect him to wake up.”
“No one did.”
“But he did.”
My father’s voice broke.
“Clara, listen to me. Do not ask Ethan about Northbridge until you know who is in the room.”
The line went silent.
He had ended the call.
I turned and found Vivian standing in the doorway.
I had not heard her enter.
“How much did you hear?” I asked.
“Enough.”
“Did you know my father worked for Northbridge?”
