Chapter 3 - The Trust Clause Targets Nathan’s Marriage
Nathan called his attorney that night.
The engagement party ended without speeches.
Victoria and Chloe were asked to leave the villa.
Nathan did not threaten them.
Emma insisted on that.
The attorney, Rebecca Sloan, arrived with a copy of Nathan’s family
trust.
The main trust was familiar.
Nathan knew his late father created it to hold shares in Moreno
Hospitality Group.
Nathan would gain voting control after marriage or at age forty-two,
whichever came first.
Nathan was thirty-nine.
The hidden addendum changed the marriage condition.
If Nathan married someone the trustees deemed to have committed “public
conduct materially damaging to family reputation,” voting control could
be delayed for up to five years.
Emma stared at the language.
“You’re telling me your mother wanted me to look unstable so your
marriage trigger wouldn’t count?”
Rebecca raised a hand.
“Not exactly. The clause doesn’t automatically disqualify Emma. Trustees
would need evidence and discretion.”
Nathan looked at Victoria’s empty chair.
“But a recording of Emma attacking my mother would help.”
“Yes.”
Emma almost laughed.
Except she had not attacked Victoria.
Victoria had attacked her.
The problem for Victoria was that Arthur’s video showed preparation.
And dozens of phones captured what happened after.
Nathan asked the obvious question.
“Who benefits if my control is delayed?”
Rebecca opened another page.
During any delay, interim voting authority remained with the current
trust committee.
Three members.
Victoria.
Chloe.
And Nathan’s uncle, James.
Nathan’s stomach tightened.
Emma whispered:
“This was never about me belonging in the family.”
Nathan looked at the addendum.
May you like
“No.”
“It was about keeping you from controlling it.”
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