Chapter 50 TO BE A FRIEND
Ethan stood, sliding a thick folder onto the table. "Over the last few months, I've been conducting a quiet audit. And I've found something... disturbing. Sinclair funds our legacy have been embezzled. For years."
Several men stiffened.
"I will investigate every cent," Ethan said, eyes narrowing. "And when I'm done, those involved will pay back every single dime. Assets will be seized. Properties, accounts, everything. Make no mistake, Sinclair is no one's playground."
Silence reigned.
A few exchanged worried glances. Others suddenly found their hands trembling beneath the table.
As Ethan's final words echoed through the room, silence gripped the table like a vice. No one dared move.
Then, slowly, one of the senior shareholders Mr. Gallagher, a long-time ally of the Sinclair legacy, cleared his throat and nodded firmly.
"Well said, Ethan," he remarked. "This empire was built on discipline and integrity. If there's been corruption in our ranks, it should be exposed. I stand with you."
Another shareholder, a woman in her early forties with sharp eyes and an even sharper mind, chimed in. "I've reviewed the financials myself. The discrepancies are too precise to be coincidental. It's about time someone took this seriously."
A few others murmured their agreement, some more cautiously than others. One man shifted uncomfortably but spoke up anyway. "I didn't buy into Sinclair for it to be turned into a laundering machine. If there's cleaning to be done, so be it."
The room, once filled with passive aggression and smug remarks, had shifted. Faces that had mocked now turned pale. The silent ones now watched Ethan with a mix of respect and fear.
He'd drawn a line and some had already stepped to his side.
Without another word, Ethan turned and walked out, his footsteps echoing through the marble hallway as the boardroom remained in stunned, uneasy silence.
"That will be all." Ethan said
And with that, he walked out, leaving the room in stunned, suffocating silence.
After exiting the boardroom, Ethan walked through the quiet hallway, his steps measured but firm. The meeting had gone as expected, But the weight of it still lingered on his shoulders.
As he approached his office, his secretary stood and spoke up.
"Sir, a package arrived for you. Already cleared by security."
Ethan gave a small nod. "Alright. Thank you."
He stepped inside his office and immediately spotted the item on his desk. His eyes lit up.
There, sitting neatly on the center of his table, was a hyper-realistic, car-shaped box sleek, metallic, beautifully designed down to the smallest detail. His mood shifted in an instant, the stress of the morning lifting.
With a rare grin, Ethan walked over and opened the box quickly. Inside was a black and gold envelope, resting on fine satin.
An invitation.
To an exclusive, members-only international car show.
Ethan's eyes scanned the fine print, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Just then, a knock sounded.
Hugo walked in, pausing mid-step when he spotted the opened box on the desk. His brows shot up.
"Wait... is that what I think it is?" he asked, stepping closer. "They're holding a second edition this year?"
"Yeah," Ethan said, genuinely pleased. "Just got the invite."
Hugo blinked. "No way. I didn't get one."
Ethan leaned back in his chair, a smug grin tugging at his lips. "Well, maybe yours is still in the mail. Be patient."
"Oh, come on," Hugo groaned. "If they were going to send me one, it would've been here already. You know how these things work strictly elite names. Can I come with you? You know they don't allow walk-ins."
Ethan chuckled, glancing back down at the card. "Actually... it says here I can bring a plus one."
Hugo straightened like a kid promised candy. "For real?"
Ethan nodded, amused. "Yeah. So, I guess you're in."
"I owe you one, man. Seriously." Hugo grinned, looking at the box like it was a golden ticket. "You just made my week."
Ethan laughed, then gently placed the invite back into the custom box, sliding it aside with care.
For a moment, the boardroom chaos faded, replaced by the promise of fast cars, exclusivity, and adrenaline. Something that reminded him just briefly that was still allowed to have a life outside what had been designed for him.
Lena was stirred from sleep by a gentle tap on her shoulder.
Her eyes fluttered open to see Mena's warm smile. She blinked, realizing she must have dozed off in the tub. Strangely, she didn't feel groggy, her mind was clearer, her body lighter. The bath had done wonders. It was therapeutic, just like Mena said.
Carefully, she stepped out of the warm water. Mena handed her a soft towel before quietly excusing herself from the bathroom.
Lena dried off slowly, enjoying the lingering scent of lavender and rose on her skin. When she stepped back into the bedroom, she paused. On the bed was one of her expensive but simple floral dresses, silk, soft cream with delicate green accents. Mena had already laid it out, along with matching undergarments and accessories.
Without a word, Mena returned and began gently oiling Lena's skin with a blend of essential oils. It felt like a second massage light, circular motions across her back and arms, each stroke relaxing and intentional.
Lena nearly melted into the touch.
"Just a bit of extra care," Mena said softly as she zipped up the dress. "You're looking much better."
She was right. Lena did feel so much better. The pain hadn't vanished, but it was manageable now. Her hair had been carefully combed and oiled, tucked neatly behind her ears. She looked and for the first time in days felt like herself again.
Mena moved to the food cart and arranged on a plate : warm toast, eggs, fruits, and a glass of juice. A small container with two white painkillers sat beside the plate.
"Eat first," Mena said kindly. "Then take these, if you still feel sore."
Lena nodded, a quiet, thankful smile playing on her lips.
"If you need anything else, just let me know," Mena said gently.
"Thank you," Lena replied, her voice soft but full of genuine appreciation. "You did a really good job. I feel so much better."
Mena's face lit up with a smile. "I've worked for Sir Ethan for years," she said, folding the napkin on the tray. "But I've never seen that much concern in his eyes... not like I did today, soo I knew I had to do my best."
Lena's breath caught slightly, but she said nothing, her heart stirring at the thought.
"Just know," Mena continued kindly, "you can always come to me if you ever need anything. Sir Ethan has been so good to me over the years... the least I can do is treat his wife with special care."
Lena smiled, the warmth in her chest growing. "Alright. I'll definitely come to you," she said sincerely.
Mena gave a small nod, her expression one of quiet loyalty. Then she turned and exited the room, leaving Lena alone in the soft morning light grateful and calmer.