Chapter 3
The investigation lasted six weeks. Northstar’s internal team confirmed that Nathan Cross had attempted to obtain confidential financial information through Genevieve. His law firm terminated him. Investigators discovered he had used similar shell-company methods in an earlier scheme. He lost his license to practice law and served a short sentence.
Genevieve pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit financial fraud. She avoided prison but received several years of supervised probation. Her family released a statement expressing shock and disappointment — though Alex noticed they did not deny the evidence.
He refused every interview. He returned to work. Northstar launched a new security platform, completed its strongest quarter, and announced plans to open an engineering center in Cleveland. To the outside world, Alex had survived.
Inside the penthouse, silence had changed shape. Before the wedding, silence had been familiar. Now it felt accusatory. Every quiet room reminded him that a child had recognized danger while he had chosen comfort. Every empty evening reminded him that he had built an empire and still could not trust his own judgment.
Lucia attempted to resign.
She entered his office one Monday morning, placed a typed letter on his desk, and stood with her hands clasped in front of her.
Alex read the first line and put it down.
“No.”
Lucia blinked. “You haven’t finished it.”
“I understand what it is.”
“I failed to report something that directly affected your safety.”
“You lacked evidence.”
“I should have trusted my daughter.”
“Yes. But I should have trusted myself. I’m not going to punish you for being afraid when I spent weeks doing the same thing.”
“This is different.”
“Why? Because you could have lost your income, your home, your daughter’s security? I would have lost only embarrassment.”
Lucia’s eyes glistened.
“I’m offering you the choice to stay,” Alex said. “Same salary. Same role. No debt between us.”
“And Sofi?”
May you like
“Sofi can visit whenever she needs to. She saved me approximately forty-eight million dollars. I think she’s earned unlimited apple juice.”
Lucia laughed before she could stop herself.
