“I do.”

“Good.”

“But regulatory compliance and financial accountability are another matter.”

His expression tightened.

There it was.

For four months, Alder’s internal auditors had been reviewing unusual financial activity in St. Catherine’s orthopedic department.

Several implant purchases appeared unusually expensive.

Certain procedures were consistently associated with the same distributor.

And consulting payments involving outside businesses required further explanation.

Ethan’s name appeared repeatedly in the records.

Because he was my brother-in-law, I’d removed myself from the detailed evidence review to avoid a conflict of interest.

The matter had been handled by independent professionals and the hospital’s governing board.

But Ethan apparently believed his family connections would protect him.

Vanessa crossed her arms.

“You’re just jealous of Ethan’s career. He saves lives while you pretend to be some important executive.”

I looked toward her husband.

“Ethan, have you ever heard of Northstar Surgical Supply?”

He froze with his wineglass halfway to his lips.

Vanessa frowned.

“What’s Northstar?”

“Just a supplier,” Ethan answered quickly.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Interesting.”

Mom stood.

“Claire, stop discussing business. It’s Thanksgiving!”

I looked around the table.

“So everyone can laugh when Dad offers me fifty dollars to clean a floor, but asking legitimate questions is inappropriate?”

Dad frowned.

“Don’t speak to your mother that way.”

Ethan pushed back his chair.

“Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, Claire, I’d be careful. I have connections on the hospital board.”

“I know.”

He gave a confident smile.

“Then you understand.”

“Three of those board members resigned on Tuesday.”

His smile disappeared.

At that precise moment, my phone vibrated.

A message from Alder’s general counsel appeared.

Board decision finalized. Temporary suspension authorized. Outside counsel notified.

I quietly locked my screen.

Ethan looked increasingly uncomfortable.

He’d spent Thanksgiving dinner mocking a woman without realizing the hospital’s independent board was already making decisions about his professional future.

Ethan stood so quickly that his chair nearly tipped backward.

“You can’t suspend me because of a family argument!”

I remained seated.

“Nobody has suspended you because of Thanksgiving dinner, Ethan.”

He stared at me.

“The independent board reviewed the audit findings and made its decision through the proper process.”