The truth hurt. But it was the first honest answer we could use.

Chapter 12 — The Terms

I placed a proposed agreement in front of him. It required restoration of my voting rights, repayment of the missing distributions with interest, correction of the four-hundred-thousand-dollar investment, an independent audit, removal of Vanessa and Ryan from company access, and professional financial oversight.

Daniel would temporarily step down as sole chief executive during restructuring. He’d attend counseling and build a dependable parenting plan if his marriage ended.

I would not promise to withdraw every legal claim immediately — compliance had to come first.

He read it. “You’re taking the company from me.”

“No. I’m taking back what belonged to me.”