Chapter 4 - Cole Had Signed One Document
Cole knew the name.
He claimed he did not understand its significance.
At twenty-seven, Grant had asked him to sign documents related to a
family trust.
Cole signed.
He never read them closely.
That was five years ago.
Evelyn stared at him.
“You signed ownership documents without reading them?”
“My father’s lawyers handled everything.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“It’s the truth.”
It was.
And that was almost worse.
Cole had spent his adult life treating Grant’s control as weather.
Something unpleasant but unavoidable.
Grant chose investments.
Grant selected attorneys.
Grant arranged board appointments.
Grant even helped choose the apartment Cole lived in after college.
Cole complained constantly.
Then complied.
Evelyn had mistaken his frustration for independence.
Now she understood the difference.
Cole’s trust held a minority economic interest in Meridian’s parent
company.
He had received distributions.
He thought they came from a diversified family investment portfolio.
“Did you report them?”
“To whom?”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
Cole worked as a strategy consultant for companies that sometimes
pursued government business.
Financial conflicts mattered.
His attorney would need to review his disclosure obligations.
Evelyn would not advise him.
“Get independent counsel.”
“Can’t you tell me what this means?”
“No.”
“You know this system better than anyone I know.”
“That is exactly why I’m not going to become your private legal guide.”
Cole stared at her.
Then his voice softened.
“I’m sorry about dinner.”
Evelyn waited.
“I should’ve defended you.”
“Yes.”
“I froze.”
“Yes.”
“My dad has been like that my whole life.”
“Yes.”
He looked frustrated.
“Can you say something besides yes?”
Evelyn finally let the hurt show.
“You watched your father tell me I wasn’t important enough to speak to
him. Then when he ordered you not to marry me, you said, ‘Yes, sir.’
What exactly would you like me to interpret?”
Cole had no answer.
Evelyn removed her engagement ring.
She placed it in his palm.
His face collapsed.
“Evie—”
“No.”
“Is this because of Aegis?”
“No.”
That answer came easily.
“This is because last night showed me what marriage to you would
require.”
Cole looked down at the ring.
May you like
For once, Grant Whitmore was not in the room.
Cole still did not know what to do.
