Chapter 5 - The Financial Slaughter
Claire opened the Harrington Development file on her desk.
"Your company is drowning, Ethan," she stated factually.
"You are four hundred million dollars in debt."
"You came to Whitmore Global begging for a bailout to save your legacy."
Margaret rushed forward, slamming her hands on the table.
"We had an agreement!" Margaret screamed.
"The board approved our funding last week!"
Claire smiled, and it was the most terrifying thing Margaret had ever seen.
"The board approved a recommendation, Margaret."
"I have the final signature."
Claire picked up the contract.
With one slow, deliberate motion, she ripped the document in half.
Then she ripped it again.
She let the shredded pieces flutter down onto the mahogany table.
"Funding denied," Claire announced.
Ethan collapsed into one of the boardroom chairs, burying his face in his hands.
"You're bankrupting us," Ethan sobbed.
"I'm not bankrupting you, Ethan," Claire corrected him.
"Your own cowardice bankrupted you."
She then turned her attention to Brooke.
"And you, Ms. Sterling."
"You promised the Harringtons that Sterling Capital would provide a bridge loan if Whitmore Global backed out."
Brooke lifted her chin, trying to salvage some pride.
"Yes, we will," Brooke declared.
"My family has money too."
Claire chuckled softly.
"Daniel, please inform Ms. Sterling about her family's current financial status."
Daniel Mercer opened an iPad.
"At 9:00 AM this morning, Whitmore Global aggressively acquired the controlling debt of Sterling Capital," Daniel read aloud.
"We have called in your loans, Ms. Sterling."
"Your firm is currently insolvent."
Brooke let out a horrified shriek.
"You ruined my family?!" Brooke cried.
"You ruined my marriage, Brooke," Claire replied without blinking.
"I just returned the favor in a currency you actually care about."
Margaret fell to her knees.
The proud, arrogant woman who had tormented Claire for three years was now groveling on the floor.
"Claire, please," Margaret wept.
"I was wrong."
"I was so terribly wrong."
"You belong in this family."
"You are exactly the kind of strong woman Ethan needs!"
Claire stood up from her chair and walked around the table.
She stood directly over Margaret, looking down at her like a bug.
"I don't belong in your family, Margaret."
"Your family belongs to me."
"I own your mortgages, I own your company's debt, and as of this morning, I own your beloved Nantucket vacation home."
Margaret choked on a sob, realizing she had literally lost everything.
May you like
"Now get out of my building," Claire ordered softly.
"Before I have security throw you out into the rain."
