Chapter 4 - The Price of a Perfect Wedding
Amelia rejected the transfer.
Richard called within three minutes.
“You embarrassed your sister.”
“She submitted a false request to a charitable trust.”
“It is not false. The wedding will bring attention to the estate.”
“A private wedding is not community engagement.”
“Do you understand what this marriage means for our family?”
“I understand that you’re trying to use restricted funds to pay for it.”
Richard lowered his voice.
“The company is going through a temporary liquidity problem.”
“Then reduce the wedding budget.”
“That would damage our reputation.”
“Using trust money illegally would damage it more.”
Richard ended the call.
The following morning, Cynthia arrived at Amelia’s office without an appointment.
She wore white silk and carried a leather handbag that cost more than many people earned in a year.
“Your father hasn’t slept,” she said.
“That is unfortunate.”
“Penelope is devastated.”
“She should not have created a false company.”
“She only did what your father’s attorney suggested.”
Amelia stared at her mother.
“Which attorney?”
Cynthia looked away.
That small movement told Amelia that the situation was larger than a wedding payment.
She searched the trust records again.
Two years of statements revealed unusual maintenance expenses paid to shell companies. Each transaction was small enough to avoid automatic review.
Together, they exceeded eleven million dollars.
Amelia contacted the trust’s outside accountant.
He did not answer.
The next day, he resigned.
Blake found Amelia at the dining table surrounded by documents.
She had not told him what she suspected, but he only needed to see her expression.
“How bad?” he asked.
“At least eleven million missing. Possibly more.”
“From the trust?”
“And Hartwell Development may be covering debts through related companies.”
Blake sat across from her.
“Amelia, one of Campbell Holdings’ credit divisions approved a bridge loan to Hartwell six months ago.”
She looked up sharply.
“How much?”
“Seventy-five million.”
Her stomach tightened.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“The application passed through an independent team. Your family connection was disclosed, and I was removed from the approval process.”
“What secured the loan?”
“Three commercial properties and future revenue from the Harbor Crown development.”
Amelia knew the project.
Richard had promised investors a luxury complex containing two hotels, private residences and a marina.
Construction had barely begun.
“The projected revenue is false,” she said.
Blake’s expression changed.
“You’re certain?”
“The environmental permits have not been approved. Without them, the marina cannot be built.”
“The loan documents state that all major permits were secured.”
Amelia stood so quickly that her chair struck the floor.
Richard had not only taken money from Eleanor’s trust.
He had submitted false information to obtain one of the largest loans in Hartwell’s history.
Blake reached for his phone.
Amelia stopped him.
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because if we confront him now, he will destroy evidence.”
Blake studied her.
“What do you need?”
“The complete loan file, an independent audit and time.”
He nodded.
“You’ll have all three.”
Two days later, Penelope called.
She did not mention the missing money.
Instead, she asked Amelia to be a bridesmaid.
Amelia nearly refused.
Then Penelope added, “Dad said this wedding could be a new beginning for us.”
Amelia understood immediately.
The invitation was not an act of love.
May you like
They wanted her close enough to control.
She accepted.
