Chapter 3 - The Company That Could Not Survive MondayRachel escorted Mary to a private office behind the ballroom.
Within minutes, bankers and lawyers began calling.
Brooks Meridian had missed a $180 million debt payment that morning.
Ethan had certified only three days earlier that no default existed.
If the wedding had proceeded, Collins Capital would have been required to deposit emergency funds into the merged company within forty-eight hours.
Mary stared at the loan documents.
“He planned to use my money before anyone discovered the missed payment.”
Rachel nodded.
“The marriage would also have activated his voting proxy.”
“He would control the funds used to rescue his company.”
“Yes.”
Mary thought about Ethan’s urgency inside the suite.
We can deal with this after the ceremony.
He had not been asking for forgiveness.
He had been asking for seventeen more minutes.
Rachel found another irregularity.
Over the previous two years, Brooks Meridian had paid more than $40 million to a consulting firm owned by Vanessa.
The invoices described branding strategy, international development, and crisis management.
No supporting work existed.
Mary looked through the payment history.
“Vanessa helped move the money.”
“Possibly.”
“Did Ethan steal from his own company?”
“That is what the audit must determine.”
Mary’s phone filled with messages from Ethan.
Some apologized.
Others threatened.
The most recent read:
If you do this, thousands of employees will lose their jobs. Their families will know your pride destroyed them.
Mary handed the phone to Rachel.
“He knew exactly which argument would make me hesitate.”
“Then do not answer tonight.”
“What happens Monday?”
“If Collins Capital does nothing, lenders may seize Brooks Meridian’s accounts.”
“And if we intervene?”
“We might save the operating hotels without saving Ethan.”
Mary looked through the office window toward the empty wedding aisle.
The personal betrayal had ended the marriage.
The financial betrayal had placed thousands of strangers inside the wreckage.
She no longer had the luxury of making only an emotional decision.
“Begin a forensic audit,” she said.
“And the wedding?”
May you like
Mary looked at the ring still inside her clutch.
“There is no wedding.”
