“Elliot wants me out because of the optics, but we can negotiate a quiet resignation.”

“I can tell the board I am stepping down for personal reasons.”

“Health issues, or to focus on private investments.”

“We can draft a press release today.”

I looked at him, watching the desperate calculation running behind his eyes.

He was already building the lie in his head, trying to find a way to keep his membership at the country club.

“The board won’t agree to that,” I said.

“They will if I offer them a transition plan,” he said.

“I can hand over my client portfolio to Arthur without a fight.”

“That keeps the clients from panicking and pulling their assets.”

“It saves the firm’s reputation, and it saves mine.”

“And what do I get in this scenario?” I asked.

He reached out, his fingers brushing my arm, but I stepped back.

His hand fell back to his side.

“You get everything we built,” he said.

“The Highland Park house, the property in Colorado, the trust funds for the girls.”

“I will sign a post-nuptial agreement today transferring the major assets to your name.”