Chapter 9 - MARTIN'S PAYMENT
Martin did not run.
He asked for coffee.
Claire almost admired the nerve.
The payment was real.
But Martin claimed it was blackmail.
The notary, Gregory Shaw, had discovered old records showing Martin helped Eleanor conceal the failed Cole settlement from Claire.
“He threatened to expose me.”
“So you paid him.”
“Yes.”
“Then he forged my proxy.”
“I did not know he would.”
Claire wanted to believe him.
That was precisely why she did not.
Ruth arranged an independent forensic review.
No family employees.
No Daniel allies.
No Sabrina investigators.
Claire finally stopped choosing people based on loyalty.
Gregory Shaw disappeared before investigators reached him.
His apartment was empty.
His car was found at the airport.
Then Claire’s board chair called.
A shareholder group had filed an emergency petition questioning Claire’s fitness as trustee.
The petition cited conflict of interest.
Concealed historical claims.
Marital instability.
And “erratic retaliatory terminations.”
Sabrina’s firing.
Claire closed her eyes.
Her impulsive decision had become evidence.
Ruth said, “This is why we slow down.”
“I know.”
“Say it.”
“I made it easier for them.”
“Yes.”
Claire hated Ruth for thirty seconds.
Then loved her for not lying.
The petition’s lead attorney represented a shell company.
That shell company traced back to the private equity group Daniel had been negotiating with.
Claire called Daniel.
“You filed against me.”
“No.”
“Your people did.”
“They’re not my people.”
“You brought them in.”
“Yes.”
“Then help me stop them.”
Silence.
“Daniel?”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
His voice dropped.
“Because they have something on me.”
Claire stared at the wall.
“What?”
Daniel answered.
May you like
“I took money.”
