Chapter 8 - Charles Bennett's Warning
Charles Bennett had written the letter fourteen months before his death.
Adrian read it aloud.
"I found money leaving the company through contracts Victoria approved. I confronted her. She blamed accounting. I do not know whether she is stealing, being used, or protecting someone else."
Elena looked at Rachel.
"Someone else?"
The flash drive answered part of that question.
It contained invoices, board emails, and audio from one meeting Charles had recorded with his own attorney present.
Victoria's voice was clear.
"Dad, you're overreacting."
Charles answered, "Then show me the real vendor records."
A man's voice interrupted.
Not Dr. Cole.
Marcus Vale.
Bennett Family Holdings' chief financial officer.
Marcus had worked for the family for twenty-two years.
He had been at Noah's christening.
He had toasted Elena and Adrian's marriage.
In the recording, Marcus said:
"Charles, if you keep digging, you'll tear the family apart."
Charles replied:
"If numbers can tear us apart, the family is already broken."
Then the audio ended.
Adrian called the board and ordered Marcus placed on administrative leave pending the audit.
Marcus did not protest.
He disappeared.
His company phone was found in his office.
His car was abandoned at the airport.
Daniel pulled travel records.
Marcus had booked a flight to Montreal under his own name, then never boarded.
Victoria was still missing.
Elena's fear changed shape.
Her sister was no longer a lone desperate woman.
She was connected to a doctor and the company's CFO.
Then Lily approached Elena privately.
"There's something I didn't tell the police."
Elena's stomach tightened.
"Why not?"
"Because I was afraid you would think I was accusing your sister again."
"Tell me now."
Lily took out an old receipt.
On the back, she had written a license plate number.
"Three nights ago, a black SUV parked by the service entrance. Miss Victoria met a man outside."
"Marcus?"
Lily shook her head.
"No."
She showed Elena a photo taken through the pantry window.
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The man beside Victoria was Harold Finch.
The trustee who claimed he was protecting Noah.
