“This month’s…” she stammered. “The one you always… the one you said you’d release when needed. Suppliers are calling, the rent, equipment leases… Patricia, this is serious.”
I leaned against the counter, everything lining up in my mind—the business plan, the timeline, the clause requiring financial reports before any additional funds were released. The same clause Ethan had once asked me to loosen because “we’re family.”
“Chloe,” I said, “I already funded the opening. Anything else depends on reports and a schedule.”
“But…” her voice cracked, “there are always problems in the beginning. That’s normal.”
“Managing them is what’s normal,” I replied. “And it would’ve been normal to invite me if I were truly part of this.”
Silence.
Then she softened her tone.
“Patricia, don’t take it personally. It was small.”
“Small—but selective.”
“Ethan was stressed. And I thought you wouldn’t care.”
The same excuse. Repackaged.
“Where is Ethan?” I asked.
“In consultation. He can’t talk.”
“Of course. Then I’ll talk to you.”
She exhaled sharply.
“What do you want? An apology? Fine—I’m sorry. But we have a real problem right now.”
Her honesty surprised me. Not regret—negotiation.