Chapter 9 - The side draft
Denise found something else.
The Mitchell lawyers had circulated multiple drafts.
Common in negotiations.
One draft given to Ethan did not contain the same minority redemption mechanics as the consent package sent to me.
Not necessarily fraud.
Negotiations evolve.
But the difference needed explanation.
Malik’s attorney requested the complete version history.
George became irritated.
He called Ethan.
Ethan then called me.
“Mom, did you go around me to Malik?”
“I called a co-owner because paperwork says he agreed.”
“He’s overreacting.”
“Did you agree?”
“I agreed to keep negotiating.”
“That isn’t the same thing.”
“George says the conversion language is for cleanup.”
“Denise doesn’t.”
“Denise is conservative.”
“She’s paid to be.”
Ethan sighed.
“This is exactly why I didn’t want business mixing with the engagement weekend.”
I became angry.
“I didn’t send myself the paperwork.”
“I know.”
“Then don’t speak to me like I created this.”
He apologized.
Then said:
“Bring it Sunday. We’ll go through it.”
Sunday was after the engagement party.
I said:
“I’ll come Saturday.”
He went quiet.
May you like
“I thought you weren’t coming.”
That was the moment everything clicked.
