Chapter 9 - The Second Owner
The following morning, Robert demanded that Clara meet him privately.
They sat in a quiet café overlooking the water.
Robert looked older than he had the night before.
"I want the truth."
Clara placed a folder between them.
"You may not like it."
"I don't care."
She opened the folder.
"The mansion isn't the only asset."
Robert stared at the documents.
"There are properties in three states."
He looked up.
"Whose?"
"That's what I've been trying to determine."
Robert rubbed his forehead.
"I thought Marjorie handled the family trust."
"She did."
"Then why didn't I know?"
"Because the trust was structured so that you didn't need to."
Robert stared at her.
"That doesn't make sense."
"It does if someone wanted control without appearing to have control."
Robert went quiet.
Clara watched him.
"There's something else."
"What?"
"The account that paid the mansion expenses wasn't funded by you."
Robert's expression changed.
"Who funded it?"
Clara closed the folder.
"I don't know yet."
"Then find out."
"I am."
Robert looked toward the window.
"Clara."
She waited.
"If your mother did this..."
He couldn't finish.
Clara quietly said,
"Don't decide what she did until you see everything."
Robert looked back at her.
"Why are you protecting her?"
"I'm not."
May you like
Clara closed the folder.
"I'm protecting the truth."
