Chapter 6 - The Press Conference That Destroyed Him
The story broke on a Monday morning.
STERLING HORIZON CEO FACES INVESTIGATION OVER TRUST FRAUD.
BUSINESSMAN ACCUSED OF FORGING WIFE’S SIGNATURE WHILE SHE WAS HOSPITALIZED.
PARIS AFFAIR LINKED TO MISUSED INVESTMENT FUNDS.
The headlines appeared across financial sites, gossip pages, and national news outlets.
Julian tried to respond quickly.
He held a press conference outside his office in Midtown Manhattan, surrounded by attorneys and public-relations advisers.
Claire watched from the hospital.
Julian stood before the cameras in a navy suit, his face solemn.
“My family is going through a difficult private matter,” he began. “I ask everyone to respect my wife’s health and our child’s privacy.”
Claire laughed once.
It was a cold sound.
He was still using her health.
Still trying to make himself look protective.
Then a reporter asked, “Did you forge your wife’s signature to transfer funds from the Vance Family Trust?”
Julian’s expression tightened.
“All financial activity was performed with appropriate authorization.”
Another reporter raised a phone.
“Then why does this recording feature you saying Mrs. Sterling would be too exhausted after childbirth to notice the transfers?”
The recording began playing.
Julian’s own voice carried across the sidewalk.
Once she has the baby, she will be too distracted to deal with the company.
The press conference ended less than a minute later.
Julian’s lawyers pulled him away from the microphones as reporters shouted questions.
Claire turned off the television.
Eliana stirred in her bassinet.
Claire lifted her carefully, holding her close.
“You will never have to doubt what happened,” she whispered. “I will always tell you the truth.”
That afternoon, Julian came to the hospital again.
This time, he did not demand to see Claire.
He asked.
Claire agreed to meet him in a private family room, with Martin and Abigail nearby.
Julian entered alone.
He looked exhausted.
His confidence had cracked.
“Claire,” he said, “I made mistakes.”
“You committed crimes.”
“I was desperate.”
“You were dishonest.”
“I was trying to save the company.”
“You were trying to save yourself.”
Julian looked down.
“I loved you.”
Claire’s eyes filled, but her voice did not shake.
“No. You loved that I forgave you. You loved that I made your life easier. You loved that I believed you even when you gave me reasons not to.”
He looked up.
“I can fix this.”
“You cannot fix a marriage by asking the person you betrayed to carry the entire repair.”
Julian’s face broke.
“Can I see my daughter?”
Claire took a slow breath.
“When the court decides you are safe and honest enough to be part of her life, you may have that chance.”
He stared at her.
May you like
“You would keep her from me?”
“No,” Claire said. “You kept yourself from her when you chose Paris.”
