Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT THE COMPANY ALMOST DIED
The Wycliffe investigation became public in January.
Fourteen million dollars in questionable transfers.
Misleading financial statements.
Improper related-party payments.
And serious failures of internal oversight.
Curtis Wycliffe was removed from management.
Authorities began investigating.
Ethan was suspended pending review.
The waterfront project stalled.
Contractors threatened lawsuits.
Investors demanded answers.
And Warren Wycliffe suffered a mild heart attack.
I learned about it from Daniel Mercer.
He called late one evening.
“Maren.”
His voice sounded strained.
“Warren's in the hospital.”
My heart tightened.
“Is he okay?”
“Stable.”
I closed my eyes.
Warren had always treated me kindly.
Even when his son didn't.
I drove to Connecticut the next morning.
At the hospital, Ethan stood outside Warren's room.
He looked exhausted.
When he saw me, he froze.
“Maren.”
I nodded.
“Ethan.”
He looked down.
“Thank you for coming.”
I hesitated.
Then asked, “How is he?”
“Resting.”
I nodded.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Ethan whispered, “I destroyed everything.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
His eyes lifted.
I continued.
“You made serious mistakes.”
A pause.
“But Curtis made his own choices.”
Ethan swallowed.
“And you?”
I looked away.
“What about me?”
He whispered:
“Did I destroy us?”
I closed my eyes.
May you like
Then answered.
“Yes.”
