Chapter 17: The Cost of Truth
The indictments filled hundreds of pages.
Charles Montgomery faced charges connected to six deaths, including Jacob Mitchell’s.
Victoria faced attempted murder, conspiracy, fraud, witness intimidation, and obstruction.
Senator Halston resigned hours before the Senate voted to expel him.
More than forty executives, lawyers, contractors, and public officials were arrested.
The Montgomery companies entered federal receivership.
Assets were seized.
Homes were searched.
Bank accounts were frozen.
But the collapse of the empire did not free Ethan from responsibility.
He was charged with making false statements to police, obstruction, and participating in fraudulent foundation filings.
His attorneys argued that Victoria had controlled him.
Prosecutors replied that adulthood required choices.
Emily agreed.
Ethan accepted a plea deal.
He would testify against his parents and serve a reduced prison sentence.
Before being taken into custody, he requested one final visit with Emily.
She agreed.
He entered her hospital room without a suit, watch, or family security detail.
He looked ordinary.
Perhaps that was what frightened him most.
“I signed the divorce papers,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“I transferred every personal asset the government allowed me to keep into the victims’ fund.”
“That was the right decision.”
He waited.
Emily offered nothing more.
“I loved you,” he said.
She looked at him carefully.
“I believe you loved the version of yourself you saw when you were with me.”
He lowered his head.
“That may be true.”
“You wanted to believe you were different from them.”
“I did.”
“But when the moment came, you protected the lie.”
Tears filled his eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
Emily’s voice softened, but not enough to become forgiveness.
“I hope you become someone who understands why sorry cannot restore what fear destroyed.”
He nodded.
At the door, he turned back.
“Will you ever forgive me?”
Emily looked toward the sunlight entering through the half-open blinds.
“I don’t know.”
May you like
He accepted the answer.
Then Ethan Montgomery walked out of her life.
