Chapter 6 - The Proposal
By noon, the medical team confirmed that Henri was well enough to discuss discharge plans, though he would need several weeks of convalescence at a proper home rather than the freezing drafty flat on Rue de Lappe.
Étienne stood by the window, speaking quietly on his phone to his chief legal counsel and his estate manager. When he hung up, he turned to face Henri and Leia, who was now awake and eating a warm croissant.
"Here is what is going to happen," Étienne announced with the quiet authority of a man accustomed to executing grand strategies.
Leia tensed instinctively. "We don't want your charity—"
"Listen first, Leia," Étienne interrupted gently, holding up a hand. "This isn't charity. This is restitution. Fifteen years ago, our company held a portfolio of patents that were undervalued during the liquidation. I took the lion's share of the profits. Half of those patents belong by legal right to Henri Morrow."
Henri raised an eyebrow, staring at him in disbelief. "Those patents are worth millions now, Étienne. You control the entire green-energy sector in Western Europe."
"Exactly," Étienne said calmly. "Effective immediately, the legal department is drafting a partnership reinstatement. Fifty percent of the equity from the green-energy division is being transferred back to your name, Henri. Furthermore, a trust is being established for Leia’s education, her art training, and any future endeavors she chooses."
Leia dropped her croissant, her eyes wide. "Millions? But... why?"
"Because your father built the foundation of everything I achieved," Étienne said, walking over to the foot of Henri’s bed. He extended his right hand toward his former partner. "And because it’s time to build something honest, for once."
Henri looked at Étienne’s extended hand. The hand that had signed his ruin was now offering his redemption.
Slowly, deliberately, Henri raised his arm and grasped Étienne’s hand in a firm, steady grip.
"Accepted," Henri said, a slow, genuine smile breaking across his face. "On one condition."
"Name it," Étienne said.
May you like
"You join us for Christmas dinner tonight. No boardrooms, no lawyers, just good food and no talk of finance."
Étienne laughed—a real, booming laugh that echoed off the hospital walls. "It’s a deal."
