He invited me to lunch at a private club where he had entertained business partners for decades. I attended with my attorney, who advised me not to discuss the merits of the case.
Arthur arrived with Vivian and two lawyers.
He looked delighted to see me.
“You’ve had time to think,” he said. “I assume you’ve come to settle this sensibly.”
“I’ve come to listen.”
He slid a document across the table.
The proposal required me to withdraw my objections to the guarantee, release certain financial claims, and agree not to make public statements about the company’s transactions. In return, Arthur offered a partial payment toward our missing savings and promised to dismiss the lawsuit.
My attorney read the document carefully.
“This agreement contains admissions that my client disputes,” she said. “We cannot accept it in this form.”
Arthur ignored her.
“Alexandra, let’s stop pretending this is about principle. You have a career to protect. You have a daughter. Do you really want your name dragged through the courts?”
