An Understated Dominance novel · Chapter 19 of 24

Chapter 19: Colter Stands Up

Colter came down the center aisle in his grey cardigan with every eye in the ballroom on him.

He did not hurry.

The employees in their work vests parted for him and closed again behind.

He climbed the three steps to the stage and stopped beside me.

His hand found the small of my back and rested there, light as a leaf.

Then he turned to face his father.

"No," said Colter.

A whisper went around the tables.

"You haven't heard what I'm offering," Gilbert said.

"I've heard it for twelve years."

"The promise stands. The company sells, you come home."

"The company hasn't sold," Colter said. "She told you. She told everyone."

"Fieldwell isn't for sale."

"Then the debt comes due, and she loses it anyway."

"The debt is void," said the president of the bank, from the corner of the stage, where he was still clutching his briefcase.

"I'll sign the reversal tonight."

"The sweep is cancelled. The accounts open at midnight."

Gilbert did not look at him.

He looked only at his son.

"You will regret this," he said.

"Maybe."

"You will have nothing."

"That's why I'm saying it here, in front of people," Colter said, "so you can't tell it differently later."

He reached into the inner pocket of his cardigan and took out a folded document.

I recognized the blue backing.

He had drafted it a week ago, in the cabin, when I wasn't looking.

He held it up.

"This is a signed, notarized release," Colter said, to the ballroom, in the quiet voice that carried farther than shouting.

"It gives up every claim I have on the Merrow estate."

"Every share. Every trust. My board seat, which my father has kept empty for four years with my name on a card."

"The house, and the money, and the name."

A reporter dropped her pen.

"I'm doing it in front of you all," he said, "because I'm told that's how people believe it."

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