Chapter 4 - An Alliance FormedI stared at the money, then at Ethan. An ally? What do you mean?
Ethan pulled out a tablet from his leather bag and began to type rapidly. He set it on the small console between us so I could read the text as he wrote.
My mother, Eleanor Hale, was the co-founder of Hale Industries, the text read. She was a brilliant software engineer. She designed the foundational algorithms that made our company a tech giant. When she passed away five years ago, she left her 40% share of the company to me in a private trust. But there was a clause: I only take full control of the shares when I turn twenty-five, or if I am deemed fully capable of managing them by the board.
Ethan paused, looking out the window for a moment, a deep sadness in his eyes, before typing again.
I turn twenty-five in two weeks. My father is terrified of losing control. For the last five years, he has run the company like a tyrant. If my mother’s shares go to me, I will have the power to vote him out of the CEO position. To prevent this, he is trying to legally declare me incompetent. He uses my deafness to paint me as mentally challenged and unable to communicate or run a business to the board of directors. He isolates me, fires any interpreter I hire, and humiliates me publicly to build his case.
My blood ran cold as I read the words. It was sickening. A father actively sabotaging his own son's life and mind just to hold onto power and money.
He’s a monster, I signed, my hands trembling with anger.
Ethan nodded. He is. He thinks because I cannot hear, I have nothing to say. But I have built my own software. I have my own plans for the company—plans that focus on accessibility, education, and charity, things my mother cared about. But I can't do it alone. Every interpreter my father hires is paid to spy on me or misrepresent my words. I need someone he can’t buy.
Why me? I signed. I’m just a waitress.
Ethan looked at me, a soft, intense sincerity in his gaze. You stood up to him. You didn't care about his money or his power. And you sign with your heart, Mary. I saw it. I felt it. I will pay you five times what you made at the restaurant. I will clear your debts today. I just need you to stand by my side and help me fight.
I looked down at the manila envelope. I thought of the eviction notice. I thought of my brother, Leo, who deserved to grow up in a world where people like Christopher Hale didn't get to stomp on the silent.
I looked up, set the envelope in my purse, and looked Ethan straight in the eyes.
May you like
When do we start? I signed.
A bright, brilliant smile broke across Ethan’s face. He reached out, and we shook hands. The alliance was forged.
