Chapter 6 - The Restaurant Was Already Collateral
Emily’s attorney pulled the property records.
The restaurant operated inside a restored historic building Daniel and
Emily had spent two years renovating.
They believed their company held a long-term protected lease with an
option to purchase.
But a separate financing document had been filed six months earlier.
The property-owning entity had guaranteed part of Gregory’s debt.
Emily read the signature page.
Daniel Hale.
Her husband stared at it.
“I never signed this.”
Margaret looked away.
The signature looked convincing.
But Daniel knew exactly where it came from.
Three years earlier, he had signed a broad family-company resolution
while helping his mother manage his late father’s estate.
That signature had been digitally copied.
The document listed Margaret as an authorized managing member.
Emily looked at Daniel.
“Your mother could affect the building?”
“I didn’t know she still had that authority.”
Margaret whispered:
“It was temporary.”
Emily turned to her.
“You used our restaurant as collateral for Gregory.”
“I was protecting the family.”
May you like
Daniel’s voice broke.
“Which family?”
