Chapter 4
Two days later, I walked into Northline's project meeting with an updated risk report.
The margins had not improved. The inventory exposure was worse.
I put the report on the table.
"We shouldn't move forward."
Ethan flipped through two pages.
"I've seen these numbers."
"Then stop the trial."
He closed the report.
"I've already approved it. Ninety days."
The room went quiet.
"You approved it before this meeting?"
"It's an executive decision."
"Then why am I here?"
His brows drew together. "Because you're the COO."
"You asked the COO for a risk review. The COO said no."
Lydia shifted in her chair.
"If this is creating problems between you two, I can step away."
She looked at Ethan.
He answered before I could.
"This isn't your problem."
Then he looked at me.
"Claire, you're not acting like a COO right now."
I put one finger on the report.
"Every number on this page says the same thing."
"This isn't only about the numbers anymore."
"No. It isn't."
His voice dropped.
"You're acting like a jealous wife."
No one moved.
I looked around the table. The report was still open. My name sat at the bottom of the last page above the words NOT RECOMMENDED.
I closed the folder.
"Then don't put my name on the approval."
"Claire."
I stood.
"You already made the decision. Keep the meeting."
I left the room, took the elevator to the parking garage, and drove to the law firm I had called after seeing Ethan's message on the tablet.
The first time, I had asked what documents I would need if I decided to leave.
This time, I asked for the petition.
Ethan came home after nine.
A white envelope waited for him on the dining table.
He opened it, read the first page, and looked at me.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"Because of one meeting?"
"Read the date on the petition."
He looked down.
It had been prepared before today's meeting.
His mouth tightened.
"You're angry. We can talk when you cool down."
"You don't think I'll divorce you."
He leaned back.
"We've been together ten years. You stayed when I had nothing."
I waited.
"You stayed when I was broke," he said. "You're not leaving now."
I stood and picked up my bag.
"Keep that sentence."
He frowned.
I nodded toward the petition in his hand.
The top corner had bent under his thumb. I watched him smooth it flat against the table as if the page were the problem.
"You'll need it later."