CHAPTER 11 — The One Person Ethan Never Expected to Betray Him
Three days later, Ethan agreed to speak with federal investigators.
Not because he wanted to.
Because he had no choice.
His attorney demanded a meeting.
Everyone expected Ethan to remain silent.
Instead...
He made a fatal mistake.
He blamed Sophia.
According to him, she had manipulated everything.
She had pressured him.
She had handled the money.
She had forged documents.
She had seduced him to gain influence.
The agents listened quietly.
Then Agent Ross slid a small digital recorder across the table.
"Would you like to hear something first?"
Ethan frowned.
Ross pressed play.
Sophia's voice filled the room.
Not crying.
Not apologizing.
Calm.
Professional.
For months, she had secretly recorded conversations whenever Ethan discussed illegal payments.
One recording after another echoed through the speakers.
"I don't care if the device failed clinical testing."
"Approve it."
"No one checks the paperwork."
Another.
"Move the payment through Madison's company."
"No one will ever suspect my wife."
Another.
"If anyone gets caught..."
"It won't be me."
The room became silent.
Ethan slowly lowered his head.
Even his own lawyer looked horrified.
Ross spoke quietly.
"For someone who claims to be innocent..."
"You certainly liked explaining your crimes."
Ethan finally understood.
Sophia had never simply been his mistress.
She had become the government's strongest witness.
When the interview ended, his attorney whispered something to him.
Ethan nodded weakly.
Then he asked one question.
"Can I speak to Madison?"
Ross looked toward me through the observation window.
"The decision is hers."
For several seconds, I simply stared at the man I had once planned to grow old beside.
Then I stood.
May you like
And walked away.
Some conversations no longer deserve answers.
