“I tried. Daniel called me unstable. Evelyn had a doctor ready to agree.”
“What is Rule Nine?”
Claire hung up.
That evening, Tyler waited in the foyer.
“You called Claire.”
“Yes.”
“She tells half-truths.”
“Then give me the other half.”
They walked into the garden, away from the cameras Tyler claimed did not exist.
He spoke quietly.
“Years ago, the company nearly collapsed. Evelyn began demanding contributions from anyone marrying into the family.”
“Contributions?”
“Extortion.”
“And you witnessed Claire’s signature.”
“I was twenty-three. I believed Daniel faced prison.”
“When did you learn the debt was fake?”
“After Claire left.”
“And you stayed.”
“He was my brother. She was my mother.”
“I am your wife.”
“I know.”
“What are you taking from me?”
“Your father’s shares in Vale Medical.”
Tabitha stared at him.
“Those shares fund free clinics.”
“Evelyn wants to pledge them against an Ashford Industries loan.”
“She cannot. They are in trust.”
“She prepared an amendment.”
“You told her about them.”
“Before we were engaged.”
The admission struck harder than a shout.
“You chose me before you loved me.”
“No.”
“Then help me stop her.”
Tyler’s jaw tightened.