“We have a life to maintain,” Ethan snapped, his voice rising. “How do you think we pay for this house? How do you think we pay for your gallery space, or the trips, or the insurance?”

I took a slow sip of water.

“We will have to make adjustments,” I said quietly.

“Adjustments?” He laughed, a dry, bitter sound. “You don’t get it. If they find cause, they can terminate my contract. I won’t just lose the promotion. I could lose my equity.”

“Then I suggest you find a very good lawyer,” I said.

He took a step toward me, then paused.

“I already have a lawyer looking at the partnership agreement,” he said. “But we need to present a united front, Clara. If you stand by me, if we go to Arthur together and tell him this was a misunderstanding, we can save this.”

“A misunderstanding?” I asked. “Lila was crying in the lobby. She had your texts on her phone.”

“We can manage her,” he said quickly. “We can offer her a settlement. A quiet exit package.”

I looked at him, feeling a sudden, deep revulsion.