Chapter 7 - The Manager’s Final Mistake
Daniel had escaped through a maintenance corridor ten minutes after Arthur ordered the executive offices locked.
Security footage showed him entering the accounting department and leaving with a black laptop bag. He then used an employee vehicle to exit through the underground garage.
But Daniel made one mistake.
He took Sophia Harrington with him.
Police discovered from Sophia’s phone records that she and Daniel had been secretly communicating for months. Their messages revealed a relationship built on ambition, access and money.
Sophia had convinced her mother to hold the foundation reception at the Aurelia Grand because Daniel wanted several board members gathered in one place. He planned to announce a new partnership that would transfer management authority from Arthur’s trust to an investment company controlled by the Harrington family.
Clara’s appearance had destroyed the plan.
Beatrice sat in a private conference room with two lawyers while detectives questioned her.
“I knew nothing about Daniel’s family history,” she insisted.
Arthur stood across from her.
“You knew he intended to seize control of this hotel.”
“It was a legal business proposal.”
“You offered board members private payments.”
“Consulting fees.”
“You allowed your daughter to humiliate an employee while you stood over her.”
Beatrice’s expression tightened.
“That has nothing to do with corporate ownership.”
“It has everything to do with character.”
Clara entered the room wearing a simple black dress Rosa had found in the hotel boutique. Her torn uniform had been collected as evidence.
Beatrice looked at her with a mixture of fear and resentment.
“This girl has not proven anything.”
Clara placed the DNA report on the table.
The emergency laboratory analysis showed a direct maternal connection between Clara and preserved biological samples belonging to Celeste Beaumont.
Arthur added the trust documents.
Clara was Emilia Rose Beaumont.
She was also the legal beneficiary of fifty-one percent of the Aurelia Group.
Beatrice’s confidence weakened.
Clara sat opposite her.
“Earlier tonight, you asked if I knew how much your dress cost.”
Beatrice said nothing.
“It cost forty-two thousand dollars,” Clara continued. “You made sure everyone heard the number.”
“The gown was destroyed.”
“No. The hotel’s fabric specialist removed most of the stain before midnight. The rest can be treated tomorrow.”
Beatrice looked surprised.
Clara leaned forward.
“You wanted me to believe that one accident had ruined something valuable forever.”
She touched the report.
“That is what Malcolm Cross wanted the world to believe about me.”
Beatrice’s eyes moved toward the door.
“I should speak with my lawyers privately.”
“You will have plenty of time.”
Arthur placed several printed messages on the table.
“Sophia shared confidential hotel information with Daniel. She also helped him contact board members using accounts funded by the Harrington Foundation.”
Beatrice turned to her attorneys.
Neither spoke.
Her foundation had claimed that its donations supported disadvantaged women. Investigators now believed some of the money had been redirected to influence Aurelia Group decisions.
Clara stood.
“I will not decide your legal consequences. The authorities will do that. But the Aurelia Grand will no longer host your foundation, your family or any company under your control.”
Beatrice stared at her.
“You were carrying wine six hours ago.”
“Yes.”
“And now you think you can ban me from this hotel?”
Clara’s voice remained calm.
“I do not think I can.”
She looked around the conference room that legally belonged to her family.
“I know I can.”
Outside, Arthur received an update from the police.
Daniel and Sophia had been located near a private marina. They had attempted to board a speedboat registered to one of the offshore companies named in Celeste’s evidence.
They were arrested before the boat left the dock.
The laptop bag contained financial records, forged trust documents and one additional item.
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A recent photograph of Clara leaving Evelyn’s apartment.
Daniel had known exactly who she was.
