Chapter 2 - Thomas Opens The Transfer Documents
Thomas placed the black folder on the reception desk.
The signatures inside were dated four months earlier.
Not that morning.
Not after Victoria slapped Claire.
Four months earlier.
Victoria stared at the first page.
“That’s impossible.”
Thomas looked at her.
“No. It was deliberate.”
The deed of transfer placed controlling ownership of Bennett Gallery
Holdings into a trust for Claire Bennett.
Thomas retained a minority operating interest for three years so
existing exhibitions, employees, and lender obligations could continue
without disruption.
Claire had already signed the acceptance documents.
That shocked Victoria almost as much as the transfer itself.
Ethan turned toward Claire.
“You knew?”
Claire wiped champagne from her cheek.
“Yes.”
The room erupted in whispers.
Victoria pointed at her.
“So this whole thing was staged?”
Claire’s expression hardened.
“You throwing champagne in my face was your choice.”
Thomas agreed.
He asked security to preserve the gallery footage and collect witness
names.
Nobody was detained.
Guests were free to leave.
But the confrontation was now documented.
Then Victoria jabbed a finger at the folder.
“Why would you give this place to her?”
Thomas closed the cover.
“I didn’t give it to her.”
That silenced the room again.
He looked at Claire.
“I returned what should have been hers years ago.”
Claire’s eyes filled.
Victoria’s face changed.
Because she understood the sentence before anyone else did.
Thomas opened the folder again.
Under the transfer agreement was a yellowed partnership contract.
Two names appeared at the bottom.
THOMAS BENNETT.
May you like
And Claire’s late mother.
ELENA REED.
Related Stories
