Chapter 8 - Ten Minutes
Claire opened her handbag.
She removed the legal folder, photographs, and sealed file.
When she stood, Daniel’s expression shifted from anger to confusion.
“You’re right,” Claire said. “Ten minutes is enough.”
She placed the divorce petition on top.
Daniel glanced at the heading.
“You filed for divorce?”
“Six weeks ago.”
Evelyn stopped laughing.
Claire added the trust documents.
“This is the termination of your family’s occupancy agreement. The mansion belongs to the Bennett Trust. You have thirty days to remove your personal belongings.”
Evelyn rose so quickly that her chair struck the floor.
“That is impossible.”
“My grandmother saved this property when Whitmore Holdings was collapsing. You have lived here under her agreement for twenty-two years.”
“You lying little thief.”
Claire placed Eleanor’s original letter beside the documents.
“The records are public. You simply assumed I would never look.”
Daniel grabbed the financial summary.
As he read, his breathing became uneven.
Bank transfers.
False invoices.
Forged guarantees.
Charity accounts.
Photographs of Evelyn’s handwritten ledger.
“What did you do?” he demanded.
Claire turned toward the doorway.
The double doors opened.
Two police officers entered with Margaret Hale. More investigators waited in the hallway.
Margaret addressed Daniel and Evelyn.
“We have warrants to search this property and the offices of Whitmore Holdings. You are both required to remain in the room.”
Charles covered his face.
Lydia closed her eyes in relief.
Daniel backed away from the table.
“You can’t believe her. She handled the accounts.”
One officer stepped forward.
“We have recordings, bank records, witness statements, and the original ledger.”
Daniel looked at Lydia.
“You betrayed us?”
Lydia met his stare.
“No. I stopped protecting you.”
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Claire placed the final sealed file in front of Daniel.
“I ended the marriage,” she said, “and gave them everything you tried to hide.”
