Chapter 36 - their mother’s second agreement
Nora refused to believe the photograph proved anything.
Katherine and Gideon had worked together during Vale Meridian’s early years. A private meeting did not make her part of his scheme.
Elias produced a second document.
It authorized Gideon to move licensing revenue into offshore accounts. Katherine’s signature appeared at the bottom.
Grace warned that the signature required verification, but Nora recognized her mother’s handwriting.
“Where did you find this?” Nora asked.
“In Gideon’s archive.”
“You had access to his files?”
“I spent eleven years gaining it.”
“Then why reveal this now?”
“Because you are treating Katherine as a saint and me as a traitor.”
“This is not about who suffered most.”
“It is always easy for the person who kept everything to say that.”
Nora understood his resentment, but she would not allow it to replace facts.
The document’s date caught her attention.
Katherine had signed it three days after Nora was admitted to hospital during a dangerous pregnancy. Vale Meridian was facing bankruptcy, and Malcolm had personally guaranteed millions in loans.
Nora searched the old corporate files.
The offshore transfer had been used to secure emergency credit. Katherine had authorized a temporary movement of the royalties, not permanent theft.
A handwritten condition required Gideon to restore every dollar within twelve months.
He never did.
Elias had shown only the first page.
“Where is the page containing the repayment condition?” Nora asked.
His silence answered.
“You knew.”
“I knew you would defend her.”
“You removed part of the truth to manipulate me.”
“I needed you to understand what it feels like when family members choose the company over you.”
Nora looked at the brother she had wanted back for eleven years.
Malcolm had betrayed her for power. Elias was now using betrayal to demand repayment for his pain.
“You are entitled to your inheritance,” she said. “You are not entitled to control me.”
Elias left the office.
May you like
Owen followed him to the parking garage and saw him enter a black car.
Gideon Price sat in the back seat.
