Clara Sterling.
Controlling owner of Sterling Investment Group.
The company that had quietly financed Vance Enterprises from its first major contract.
The company that covered lines of credit.
Backed expansion.
Absorbed risk.
Paid family expenses Julian treated as his generosity.
The company behind the money that bought the platinum watch on his wrist.
My phone rang.
Arthur.
“The board wants to know why Sterling extended credit after Vance missed its first internal target.”
“Tell them the truth.”
“Which truth?”
“That I approved it.”
Silence.
Then:
“I will.”
“Anything else?”