The younger man opened the leather briefcase and handed Vance a single sheet of paper.

Vance held it out toward Ethan.

“What is this?” Ethan asked, refusing to take it.

“That is a statement of cooperation,” Vance said. “And a joint press release.”

Ethan didn’t look at the paper.

“It states that you have no legal connection to the child,” Vance said, his voice cold and precise. “It says you are offering charitable assistance to a former acquaintance, nothing more.”

“I won’t sign that,” Ethan said.

“If you don’t,” Vance said, “I will release the full background report to the Chicago Tribune tonight.”

He smiled, a thin, cruel line.

“Every detail,” Vance added. “The apartment on 47th Street. The unpaid rent. The child’s lack of legal guardian.”

Ethan reached out and grabbed Vance by the lapels of his heavy overcoat.

The younger man took a step forward, but Vance raised a hand to stop him.

“Touch me again, Ethan, and the board votes to remove you as CEO before the markets open tomorrow,” Vance whispered.

Ethan let go, his hands trembling slightly as he pulled them back.