Chapter 16: Suspicion and Cracks
Three days later, the news of Ethan Carter’s arrest for attempted murder sent shockwaves across the financial world. Carter Luxury Group was officially declared bankrupt by the High Court, and all its assets were placed up for public auction.
Inside the state penitentiary’s interrogation room, Ethan sat in an orange jumpsuit, looking hollow and gaunt.
His mother, Mrs. Evelyn Carter, sat across from him behind the glass partition, weeping uncontrollably.
“Ethan! My poor son!” Evelyn sobbed, banging on the glass. “How did that wretched woman Natalie turn out to be the Chairwoman of Sinclair?! She tricked us all! She hid her wealth and acted like a humble servant in our house for five years!”
Ethan lowered his head, his voice filled with bitter regret. “Mom… she didn’t trick us. I was blind. She gave me everything, and I threw her away for a snake like Chloe.”
“Don’t say that!” Evelyn hissed angrily. “You’re my son! You deserve the world! Natalie owed you for five years of marriage! We must hire the best lawyer to sue her for half of Sinclair Consortium’s assets!”
Ethan let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Half of Sinclair? Mom, the divorce agreement I signed waived all rights to alimony and marital property. And I’m facing twenty years in prison for attempted murder.”
“No! There must be a way!” Evelyn’s eyes burned with greed. “I will go to Sinclair Tower myself! I will lie on the floor in front of the cameras and tell the world how heartless Natalie is for abandoning her mother-in-law!”
Ethan sighed weakly. “Mom, don’t go… Natalie is no longer the sweet girl who made you tea. She is a queen who destroys her enemies without blinking.”
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