He had manipulated events around her morning route hoping to create chaos, confusion, and an opportunity to delay the Halston audit.
The outcome had been unpredictable.
Reckless.
Terrible.
But the larger plot had been financial.
He wanted time to move assets overseas before auditors discovered the missing money.
And he needed a distraction.
I was the distraction.
A forgotten relative.
A secret heir.
A convenient stranger who could be connected to both families.
Three days later, Marcus was charged with multiple financial cr/i/mes, obstruction-related offenses, and other allegations tied to the scheme.
Gavin cooperated with investigators.
His legal problems were only beginning.
Mercer & Field’s board removed him permanently.
Richard Field returned as interim CEO.
Then he called me.
“I want you back.”
I stood in my kitchen holding the phone.
“As what?”
“President.”
I laughed.
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
“You know the clients. You know the employees. They trust you.”
