Chapter 13 - Adrian Must Choose the Company
Julian was arrested two weeks later at a private airfield.
The Northstar records, Mercer’s testimony, Hannah’s evidence, and
Evelyn’s statement created a case far larger than anyone expected.
Cross Meridian’s board panicked.
Adrian was told to distance himself.
From Evelyn.
From Claire.
From the investigation.
The company’s attorneys warned that full cooperation could expose
decades of misconduct and destroy shareholder value.
Adrian sat at the head of the boardroom table.
Ten years earlier, he had chosen the company over truth.
This time, Claire was not there to watch.
Neither was Evelyn.
The choice had to be his.
Adrian authorized complete disclosure.
Every Northstar account.
Every archived board record.
Every internal investigation.
Cross Meridian’s stock plunged.
Three executives resigned.
Lawsuits followed.
Adrian stepped down as CEO while investigators reviewed his own past
decisions.
Reporters called it corporate collapse.
Adrian called Claire once.
“I did it.”
She knew what he meant.
“Good.”
“I may lose the company.”
Claire looked at her mother sitting across the cottage kitchen.
“Then lose it honestly.”
Adrian laughed softly.
“That sounds like your mother.”
Claire looked at Evelyn.
“No.”
May you like
She smiled faintly.
“It sounds like me.”
