It was the kill shot. We knew it. Arthur Sterling could perhaps forgive financial ambition. He could perhaps rationalize a family dispute. But public humiliation? Betrayal by his wife with a younger employee?
Arthur stared at the photos of Lucille and her lover. His face turned a terrifying shade of pale, then settled into stone. He closed the folder gently.
“What do you want?” he asked. His voice was devoid of emotion.
“Safety,” I said. “Lucille goes away. She never comes near Olivia or the baby again. Olivia gets a divorce from Gavin, full custody, and financial security.”
“And in return?”
“Silence,” Marcus said. “The press never sees these documents. The police never get a call about the attempted murder. The Sterling reputation remains intact.”
Arthur looked at me. For a moment, I saw respect in his eyes.
“Agreed,” he said. “I will handle Lucille. My way.”
“What about Gavin?” I asked. “He’s weak. He’ll do whatever his mother says.”
“Gavin is my son,” Arthur said heavily. “But you are right. He is weak. I will deal with him too.”
He stood up. “Is Olivia safe?”
“She is.”
“Good. Tell her… tell her I am sorry.”
He walked out of the diner, his bodyguards trailing him.
“Do you think he’ll do it?” I asked Marcus, my hands finally starting to shake.
“Oh, he’ll do it,” Marcus said. “Lucille just became a liability. And Arthur Sterling doesn’t keep liabilities.”
