Chapter 8: The Twenty-Million-Dollar Truth
Richard arrived at my house within forty minutes.
I told him everything Patricia had said.
He listened without interrupting, then immediately contacted Thomas Reed.
An hour later, Thomas and Jennifer were sitting in my living room.
Jennifer opened her laptop.
“Mrs. Bennett, do you know why Patricia Harrison mentioned twenty million dollars?””
I shook my head.
“Robert's land was valued at $12.4 million in an old development proposal.””
Thomas nodded.
“We've seen that valuation. But there may be additional commercial rights attached to the property.””
Richard looked up.
“What rights?””
Thomas opened a document.
“Waterfront development rights, infrastructure agreements, and a potential hospitality partnership.””
I felt confused.
“Does that mean the land is worth twenty million?””
“Possibly more, depending on what can legally be developed.””
Richard leaned forward.
“Is the trust still the sole owner?””
“Yes,” Thomas replied.
“We verified the current records.””
I exhaled.
At least that part was secure.
Jennifer turned the laptop toward me.
“There's something else. Gregory Shaw has been communicating with an investment group in Florida.””
A company name appeared.
Atlantic Crown Capital.
I recognized the name from Robert's documents.
“They contacted my husband years ago,” I said.
Richard looked surprised.
“Are you certain?””
I nodded.
“Robert mentioned them once. He said they wanted to build a private resort.””
Jennifer clicked another file.
“According to the correspondence, Gregory has been presenting himself as the representative of the Bennett family trust.””
I stared at her.
“But he has no authority.””
“Correct.””
“Why would anyone believe him?””
“Because he provided documents suggesting Daniel had authority to represent the family.””
I closed my eyes.
There it was again.
Daniel.
The investigators explained that they were reviewing the company's communications and financial transfers.
They also asked whether I would agree to provide a formal statement.
I agreed.
Before leaving, Thomas gave me one warning.
“Mrs. Bennett, we believe the people involved may become more desperate as they realize the financing arrangement is being investigated.””
“I understand.””
“Please don't meet anyone alone.””
That evening, Daniel called.
I nearly let it go to voicemail.
But something made me answer.
“Hello?””
“Mom.””
His voice sounded exhausted.
“Daniel.””
“Can we meet?””
“Why?””
“I need to tell you something.””
“Tell me now.””
He hesitated.
“Not over the phone.””
I glanced toward the investigators' business card on the table.
“Where?””
“Dad's old office.””
I felt a pang in my chest.
“Why there?””
“Because I want to talk somewhere that matters.””
I considered refusing.
But I wanted to hear him.
“Tomorrow morning. Ten o'clock.””
He agreed.
The following morning, I arrived at Robert's old office.
Daniel was already there.
He stood beside the window, looking down at the street.
He appeared older than thirty-nine.
There were dark circles beneath his eyes.
His shirt was wrinkled.
His wedding ring was missing.
I placed my handbag on the desk.
“Where's Ashley?””
“Not coming.””
“Good.””
He looked at me.
“Mom, I made a terrible mistake.””
I waited.
He sat down.
“Gregory approached us last year. He said Dad had left behind a development opportunity that could make us all wealthy.””
“Did he tell you about the trust?””
“Yes.””
“How?””
“He had old documents from the partnership.””
I frowned.
“Your father withdrew from that partnership.””
“I know.””
“Did Gregory tell you why?””
Daniel nodded.
“He said Dad had been unreasonable.””
I stared at him.
“Your father discovered Gregory was diverting money.””
Daniel looked down.
“I know that now.””
“What changed?””
He rubbed his hands together.
“Gregory showed me the land valuation. He said the property could be developed into a luxury resort. He said if we moved quickly, we'd make enough money to secure our future.””
“And you believed him?””
“I wanted to.””
The honesty of that answer hurt more than a denial.
Daniel continued.
“Ashley was excited. Her parents were struggling financially. Gregory promised them positions in the company. He said everyone would benefit.””
I sat opposite him.
“And what did he promise you?””
Daniel looked at me.
“That I could finally prove I wasn't just living in Dad's shadow.””
I felt my throat tighten.
“Oh, Daniel.””
He looked away.
“I know how that sounds.””
“Your father never wanted you to live in his shadow.””
“I know.””
“Then why didn't you talk to me?””
He rubbed his face.
“Because I knew you'd say no.””
“And that was your answer?””
He nodded.
Then he reached into his jacket and removed a USB drive.
“I brought something.””
“What is it?””
“Emails. Financial records. Messages between Ashley and Gregory.””
I didn't touch it.
“Why are you giving me this?””
“Because Gregory is planning to sell the development rights without your consent.””
I stared at him.
“How?””
“He has a buyer.””
“Atlantic Crown?””
Daniel nodded.
“He told them the family had approved everything.””
I felt my hands tighten.
“Did you approve it?””
“No.””
“Then why did you help him?””
Daniel lowered his head.
“Because I thought we'd get the money first. I thought we could fix everything before you found out.””
I stood.
“You thought you could steal my property and apologize afterward?””
He flinched.
“I didn't think of it like that.””
“How did you think of it?””
He looked up.
“Like an opportunity.””
I stared at him for a long moment.
Then I picked up the USB drive.
“I'm giving this to Richard and the investigators.””
He nodded.
“I expected you would.””
I looked at his bare ring finger.
“Where's Ashley?””
“She went to her parents' house.””
“Are you separating?””
He shook his head.
“I don't know.””
“Daniel, do you love her?””
He looked at the floor.
“Yes.””
“Then you need to decide whether loving someone means helping them destroy other people.””
He began to cry.
I had not seen my son cry since Robert's funeral.
But I couldn't comfort him the way I once would have.
Not yet.
I placed my hand on the desk.
“Tell me one thing. Did you know about the forged signature?””
He nodded.
“When?””
“After the loan was submitted.””
“Who forged it?””
He hesitated.
Then whispered:
“Ashley.””
I closed my eyes.
“Did you help her?””
“No. But I knew she had done it, and I didn't stop her.””
The confession hung between us.
I took a slow breath.
“That's still a choice, Daniel.””
He nodded.
“I know.””
Before I left, he stopped me.
“Mom, there's something else.””
I turned.
“Gregory has a copy of Dad's original trust documents.””
“Where did he get them?””
“I don't know.””
“Why does that matter?””
Daniel looked terrified.
“Because he told Ashley there was a clause in the trust that could remove you as beneficiary if you became legally incapacitated.””
I stared at him.
“That's impossible.””
“I thought so too.””
“Did Robert ever tell you about such a clause?””
“No.””
I looked at the USB drive in my hand.
May you like
Then Daniel said the words that changed everything.
“Gregory said he had a doctor willing to sign the paperwork.””
