Chapter 9 - THE PRICE OF TELLING THE TRUTH
Ethan Crowe was arrested six weeks later.
Investigators had uncovered evidence connecting him to the forged contract amendment and the diversion of funds.
Madeline was also charged.
The break-in investigation continued separately.
The scandal devastated Crowe Hospitality.
Malcolm Crowe tried to protect his son.
But the evidence was too extensive.
Emails.
Bank records.
Digital signatures.
Witness statements.
And recorded conversations.
Claire testified.
She described the contracts.
The unpaid invoices.
The forged amendment.
And the assault.
Ethan sat across the courtroom.
For the first time, he looked small.
When Claire finished, he tried to catch her eye.
She didn't look at him.
Outside the courthouse, reporters shouted questions.
Claire stopped briefly.
“Ms. Whitmore, do you have anything to say to Ethan Crowe?”
She looked toward the cameras.
Then answered.
“I hope he learns that other people are not property.”
May you like
She turned away.
And kept walking.
