My mother wanted a compliant heir and a controlled legacy.

Celeste wanted a fortune and a social title.

And Maren had paid the price in exile, raising my children in poverty.

“They built a prison around me,” I said.

“They did,” Marcus said.

“And they used my own body against me.”

“What do you want to do, Adrian?” Marcus asked.

I put the car back into drive and pulled onto the road.

“We go to Maine,” I said.

“They have all the leverage,” Marcus warned. “If Celeste releases those records to the wrong people, or if your mother fights back, the scandal will destroy the firm.”

“Let it,” I said.

“The board will oust you,” he said.

“No,” I said. “I will oust myself.”

Marcus looked at me, his brow furrowed.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“My mother’s power comes from her control over Whitmore Capital,” I said.

“And Celeste’s stake is tied to my position as CEO,” I added.

“If I step down, the shares lose their immediate voting power under the bylaws,” I said.

“You would walk away from the company you built?” Marcus asked.