Chapter 13 - MARK’S CONFESSION
Mark requested a meeting.
Public office.
Lawyers present.
Jessica came.
He looked exhausted.
“I knew the private test was positive.”
“Yes.”
“I never thought Mom would actually hurt Lily.”
“Stop there.”
He did.
“You watched her chain my daughter.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you remove it?”
He looked down.
“I thought Jessica would.”
Jessica turned toward him.
“What?”
“You were already outside.”
“You were standing there.”
“I know.”
Cowardice often sounds ridiculous when translated into grammar.
Mark continued.
“I was scared of blowing up the party.”
I laughed once.
“That sentence should embarrass you for the rest of your life.”
“It does.”
“What about the trust?”
He explained Harbor Row.
Debt.
Guarantees.
A $9 million refinancing.
If Lily’s branch audit occurred before the closing, trustees could demand extra collateral or suspend related-party approvals.
The project might fail.
He had personally guaranteed part.
He could lose his house.
Jessica knew about financial trouble.
Not the paternity report.
She interrupted.
“You told me the test had been inconclusive.”
Mark closed his eyes.
Another marriage cracking.
“Why?”
“Because I needed you to stop asking.”
Jessica stood.
“Good luck with that.”
She left.
May you like
I almost admired her exit.
Almost.
