Chapter 4 - THE SECRET INSIDE THE FAMILY TRUST
Thomas Bennett discovered the first discrepancy on a Tuesday afternoon.
A document bearing Arthur's electronic authorization had been used to request a review of the family trust. The request was legitimate in appearance, but the accompanying correspondence had been sent from an account associated with Evelyn.
Arthur read the document twice.
"I never authorized this."
Thomas nodded.
"That is why I requested the original electronic records. The signature appears to have been copied from an earlier authorization."
"Can we prove who submitted it?"
"We're working on that."
Arthur looked toward the fireplace.
His wife, Catherine, had created the trust shortly before her death. She had wanted Leo to have access to education, medical care, and a secure future regardless of what happened to the family business.
The trust was not a private treasure chest. It was a legal arrangement with clear restrictions.
Evelyn had no authority to change it.
"Why would she want access?" Arthur asked.
Thomas opened another folder.
"She has substantial personal debts."
Arthur's expression hardened.
"How substantial?"
"Approximately two million dollars, according to the preliminary records."
For several seconds, Arthur said nothing.
He had known that Evelyn spent extravagantly. He had paid some of her bills in the past, believing that temporary assistance would help her regain stability.
But he had never understood the full extent of her financial problems.
"Did she ask Julian for money?"
"Yes. Several times."
"Did he refuse?"
"He declined to provide funds without a clear explanation of the debts."
Arthur closed the folder.
That evening, he asked Evelyn to meet him in the library.
She arrived with the confidence of someone who believed the conversation could still be controlled.
"Father, I assume this is about the trust."
"It is."
"I was trying to understand how the arrangements worked. As a member of the family, I have a right to know."
"You submitted a request using my authorization."
"I believed it was permitted."
"Did you copy my signature?"
Evelyn's face changed.
"No."
"Then explain why the electronic records show that the request originated from your account."
She folded her arms.
"I don't know."
Arthur pushed the document toward her.
"Your debts are your responsibility. The trust exists to protect Leo's future."
Evelyn's voice sharpened.
"And what about my future?"
"You are an adult. You are capable of making your own decisions."
"Easy for you to say. You built an empire. Julian inherited the company. Leo has a trust waiting for him. What did I receive?"
Arthur looked at his daughter with a sadness she mistook for weakness.
"You received an education, opportunities, and more assistance than most people ever see."
"That isn't the same as being valued."
"Is that why you frightened a child?"
Evelyn looked away.
"No."
"Then tell me why."
She remained silent.
Arthur stood.
"You will not have access to Leo's trust. You will not use my name to obtain financial documents. And until this matter is resolved, you will not be responsible for any child's care at this estate."
Evelyn's eyes widened.
"You cannot exclude me from my own family."
"I am setting boundaries to protect a child."
"You are choosing him over me!"
"I am choosing what is right."
Evelyn left the library in tears.
But instead of reflecting on the conversation, she went directly to Marcus.
"They're investigating the trust," she told him.
Marcus stopped pacing.
"How much do they know?"
"Enough to make things difficult."
"Then you need to tell them everything."
Evelyn stared at him.
"Everything?"
"Yes. Before they discover it themselves."
She realized that Marcus was afraid.
He had participated in some of her financial arrangements, and he knew that the records could expose him too.
"You promised to help me," she said.
"I did help you. I told you not to use Arthur's authorization."
"You said the request was harmless."
"I said the request was a mistake. I never told you to copy his signature."
Evelyn recoiled.
The man who had laughed while Leo sat tied to the chair was now concerned only with protecting himself.
That night, Arthur received a message from an unknown number.
It contained a photograph of a bank statement and three words:
ASK ABOUT THE FOUNDATION.
Arthur stared at the screen.
The family trust was not the only financial arrangement under his control.
For years, he had also funded the Catherine Vance Children's Foundation, a charitable organization that supported families in crisis.
If Evelyn had tried to access the trust, she might have attempted something similar elsewhere.
Arthur called Thomas.
"I want a full review of the foundation's accounts."
Thomas's expression turned serious.
"Do you suspect missing funds?"
"I suspect that someone has mistaken my patience for permission."
He ended the call.
Outside, thunder rolled over Blackwood Manor.
May you like
Arthur had spent a lifetime protecting his empire from outside threats.
Now he was beginning to understand that the most dangerous threat might have been sitting at his own dining table.
