Chapter 10 - Victoria Had Already Taken Money
The family’s forensic accountant reviewed Victoria’s recent
transactions.
Six months earlier, she had borrowed against shares tied to Vale
Heritage Properties.
The loan agreement required disclosure of any material ownership
disputes involving major legacy assets.
A reopened Winter House claim could affect those disclosures.
Victoria had also used part of the borrowed money to finance Chloe’s
luxury brand launch.
Richard had not approved all of it.
The amount was not enormous compared with the family fortune.
But the concealment mattered.
Victoria feared that if Sarah’s claim gained credibility, lenders would
ask questions.
The music box therefore threatened more than reputation.
It threatened financing.
Richard stared at his wife.
“You assaulted a seven-year-old because you were afraid of a
disclosure.”
Victoria shouted:
“He broke a priceless antique!”
Henry looked at the shattered box.
“No.”
May you like
Then he looked at her.
“You were afraid the antique would start talking.”
