Chapter 11 - Three Million Reasons
“Everybody away from the microphone,” Patrice said. “Now.”
The donors kept staring. Graham stepped beside Richard, holding up his phone. “A routine investment transfer. The bank misunderstood the recipient.”
“A foundation doesn't invest through your personal company,” Richard said.
“My company manages several approved vehicles.”
“Then explain why I never saw the authorization.”
Graham's gaze traveled to Madison. “Your daughter approved the marketing partnership.”
Madison shook her head. “I approved an event contract.”
“Read the whole document next time.”
Nora saw Madison go still. She recognized the kind of shame that made people either grow honest or get cruel.
Patrice took charge. The bank had paused the transfer for verification. She instructed Richard not to confront anyone further until counsel preserved the records. Graham, still smiling, walked out with his coat over one arm.
Twenty minutes later, the party emptied. Madison sat beneath an expensive painting, staring at her signature on a digital approval.
“I skimmed it,” she admitted. “There were sixty pages. Graham said Dad wanted it finished.”
“Did Dad?” Nora asked.
“I didn't ask.”
Margaret began clearing untouched food from the tables. The servers moved quietly around them.
“This has to go outside your family,” Nora said. “Independent auditors. The state, if necessary.”
Richard bristled. “I understand how to run my company.”
“Then why is somebody trying to take three million dollars from your charity?”
He stopped talking.
May you like
At midnight Patrice returned with a preliminary result from the corporate records. The transfer recipient, Pierce Advisory Holdings, had been established last month using Madison's address.
Worse, the attached board resolution carried Elaine's signature, dated while she was in the hospital.
