My Parents Texted Me, “Don’t Come To Our Wedding Anniversary Party. Only ‘Proper’ Guests Will Be There.” So I Stayed Alone In My Apartment And Let Them Have Their Picture-Perfect Night Without Me. But That Same Day, My Sister Called, Voice Shaking, And Blurted, “Why Did You Hide This From The Family? Mom And Dad Just Saw The News And…”

The next morning, the fallout was public. Trade publications ran follow-ups.

Whitaker Yachts faces major client exodus after IP allegations.

Brokers who had been in talks for charters started canceling. One deal alone was worth $15 million in commissions. Another group pulled a $30 million fleet listing.

The numbers added up fast. Tens of millions gone in days.

The board moved quickly. They issued a statement.

Whitaker Yachts takes these allegations seriously. An independent investigation has been launched. CEO Caitlyn Whitaker has been placed on administrative leave pending review.

Caitlyn texted me that afternoon.

“You happy now the board suspended me? They’re talking about termination. This is on you.”

I didn’t reply.

Over the next few weeks, the investigation unfolded. Lawyers interviewed staff, reviewed emails, examined pitch decks. Nolan’s copy of the deck was key—side-by-side comparisons with my original models.

The timeline was clear.

My work came first.

The board’s final report was quiet, but damning. They found sufficient evidence of improper use of third-party intellectual property. Caitlyn resigned before they could fire her.

The announcement was brief.

Caitlyn Whitaker has stepped down to pursue other opportunities. The firm remains committed to integrity.

No apology. No mention of me.

Then Dad called.

It was late. I was in bed staring at the ceiling when his name appeared on the screen. I answered on the fifth ring.

“Alexis,” he said. His voice sounded older, tired. “We need to talk.”

I waited.

“I knew,” he said. “I knew something wasn’t right with Caitlyn’s presentations. I suspected it was your work.”

I said nothing.

Silence.

“I was afraid,” he continued. “Afraid of what it would do to the firm, to your mother, to Caitlyn. I thought if we just got through the quarter, it would be fine. I told myself you’d understand, that you’d be okay.”

I didn’t speak.

“I was wrong,” he said. “I let you be pushed out. I let them disinvite you from everything. I failed you. I’m sorry.”

The words hung there.

“An apology doesn’t change anything,” I said quietly.

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