Chapter 5 - CONRAD'S COUNTERATTACK
Conrad did not resign.
He attacked.
He called Clara unstable.
Said her medical emergency proved she was unfit to manage the farm.
Said the black folder contained stolen municipal records.
Said Elena had violated confidentiality.
Then he filed an ethics complaint against both women.
Smart.
Ugly.
Effective enough to create noise.
The local paper ran:
FARMER ACCUSES MAYOR IN DEBT SCHEME—CITY CALLS CLAIMS MISLEADING.
Conrad’s attorney argued Vale Municipal Opportunities was legally separate.
True.
Conrad did not personally own the bonds.
Also true.
Stephen Cross, his brother-in-law, did.
Conrad disclosed “extended family financial interests” on one annual statement.
Technically true.
The conflict case became harder.
Clara’s attorney, Maya Chen, warned her.
“Do not exaggerate.”
“He’s corrupt.”
May you like
“Maybe. Prove each act.”
That discipline changed everything.
