“If the shares stay with the family, the creditors will liquidate us,” Arthur said. “If they transfer to your agency as a strategic acquisition, the banks will roll over the debt.”

“You want me to save your legacy,” I said.

“I want to save my grandsons’ legacy,” Arthur corrected me, his voice softening slightly. “The boys are Bradfords. If the company dies today, they inherit nothing but scandal.”

Marcus looked up from the papers, nodding slowly at me.

“The terms are solid, Clara,” Marcus said. “This would give your marketing firm absolute control over the entire Bradford corporate structure.”

“What about Vivian?” I asked. “And Garrett?”

“Vivian is finished,” Arthur said flatly. “The board is removing her as officer of the company at this very moment.”

He paused, a shadow of regret crossing his weathered face.

“As for Garrett, he will receive a minor trust distribution, but he will have no say in the business,” Arthur added. “You will be the sole authority.”

The driver shifted the car into drive, slowly navigating out of the dark garage and onto the gray, wet streets of Chicago.