And he needed a distraction.
I was the distraction.
A forgotten relative.
A secret heir.
A convenient stranger who could be connected to both families.
Three days later, Marcus was charged with multiple financial cr/i/mes, obstruction-related offenses, and other allegations tied to the scheme.
Gavin cooperated with investigators.
His legal problems were only beginning.
Mercer & Field’s board removed him permanently.
Richard Field returned as interim CEO.
Then he called me.
“I want you back.”
I stood in my kitchen holding the phone.
“As what?”
“President.”
I laughed.
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
“You know the clients. You know the employees. They trust you.”
“Richard…”
“I’ll give you equity.”
I looked across my kitchen.
Bills sat on the counter.
Normal bills.
Electricity.
Insurance.
Tuition.
Strange how ordinary paper could feel comforting after the week I’d survived.
“I appreciate it.”
“But?”
“But I don’t want Gavin’s chair.”
