Chapter 2 - Richard Reads The Second Name Aloud
Richard opened the folder with both hands.
For the first time that night, his anger disappeared.
The second authorized name on the transfers was not Daniel.
It was not Claire.
It was his younger brother.
“Thomas.”
Across the ruined dining room, Thomas Vale stopped moving.
He had been standing closest to Richard through the entire fight.
Helping Margaret to her feet.
Telling everyone to calm down.
Looking horrified by Claire.
Now every face turned toward him.
Thomas laughed once.
“That’s ridiculous.”
Margaret wiped wine from her cheek.
“I thought so too.”
The account was called Vale Household Reserve.
It paid property taxes, staff expenses, medical bills for older
relatives, and emergency family costs.
Over seven months, $640,000 had moved out through eleven transfers.
Claire’s name appeared on four approvals.
Thomas’s appeared on all eleven.
Claire looked stunned.
“I didn’t approve those.”
Margaret snapped:
“Your credentials did.”
Claire stared at Daniel.
He looked equally confused.
Richard asked security to secure the room and preserve the folder.
He did not imprison anyone.
Guests who were not involved were allowed to leave after giving contact
information because several had witnessed the physical fight.
Margaret needed medical attention for a cut near her wrist.
Claire’s cheek was swelling from Daniel’s slap.
Daniel had bruised his shoulder.
The elegant dinner had become evidence.
Richard looked at his brother.
“Tell me why your name is on every transfer.”
Thomas’s face hardened.
“Because you authorized me to manage the reserve years ago.”
“That explains access.”
Richard tapped the statements.
“It doesn’t explain where six hundred forty thousand dollars went.”
Thomas looked toward Claire.
“Ask her.”
Claire whispered:
“I think I know.”
Everyone turned.
May you like
She swallowed.
“But if I tell you, Daniel’s going to hate me.”
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