It was Ethan’s distinct, bold handwriting.

Arthur leaned back in the booth, taking off his glasses.

He rubbed his temples.

“Does anyone else know about this?” Arthur asked.

“No,” I said. “Only me. And now you.”

“Why did you bring this to me, Clara, instead of going to a divorce lawyer first?” he asked.

“Because I want to protect the firm’s reputation,” I lied smoothly. “And because I want to make sure Ethan cannot lie his way out of this.”

Arthur looked down at the papers again.

“If this gets out, it could trigger an audit from our major institutional clients,” he said.

“I know,” I said. “That is why I came to you. You are the founding partner. You have the authority to handle this internally before it becomes public.”

Arthur looked at me, a mixture of sympathy and calculation in his eyes.

“And what is it you want, Clara?” he asked.

“I want what is fair,” I said. “But right now, I need you to know the truth about the man you are considering making senior managing partner.”

Arthur sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly.