Chapter 4 - The Price of Silence
Catherine’s first instinct was to stop the gala quietly.
She contacted Richard again and requested a private meeting. She brought copies of Nathan’s report and Luis’s photographs.
Richard met her at his office but refused to allow Nathan or an attorney into the room.
“You’re overreacting,” he said.
“The roof may be unsafe.”
“It passed inspection.”
“The inspection was based on plans you didn’t follow.”
Richard poured himself a drink.
“Do you understand what will happen if this opening is delayed? We have investors arriving from three states.”
“Then cancel it.”
“Absolutely not.”
Catherine placed the photographs on his desk.
“You removed critical supports.”
“We improved the layout.”
“You replaced reinforced steel connections with cheaper brackets.”
“They were approved.”
“By a consultant your company paid after two engineers refused.”
Richard’s face hardened.
“You’ve always resented Paige.”
“This has nothing to do with Paige.”
“It has everything to do with her. You cannot tolerate seeing your sister celebrated.”
Catherine stared at him in disbelief.
“People could be hurt.”
“No one will be hurt.”
“You don’t know that.”
Richard moved around the desk.
“What do you want? Money? Recognition? Your name on a plaque?”
“I want you to close the ballroom until it is safe.”
He opened the office door.
“You are not invited to the gala anymore.”
Catherine gathered the documents.
“If you proceed, I will contact the authorities.”
Richard lowered his voice.
“If you publicly attack this family, you will lose more than an invitation.”
Within hours, Catherine received calls from two clients. Both withdrew major contracts without clear explanations.
Then her landlord informed her that the commercial lease for her small architecture studio would not be renewed.
The building belonged to a Whitmore investment company.
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Richard was not merely refusing to listen.
He was trying to remove her ability to fight.
