The Sale Hidden Inside the Gala
Chapter 06 - The Sale Hidden Inside the Gala
The gala had been scheduled as a celebration.
Its real purpose was a vote.
Crown Meridian’s purchase option expired at midnight. Victoria needed Eleanor’s shares to approve the transaction. Richard controlled thirty percent. Eleanor controlled twenty-two. Clara’s frozen trust held thirty-eight, but the shares were treated as nonvoting while no heir was recognized.
If Grace’s claim became valid, the sale failed immediately.
Victoria had known someone was searching for Clara’s records.
That was why she moved the gala forward by two weeks.
That was why Eleanor’s guardianship hearing was scheduled for the following morning.
That was why Room 714 had been searched.
Crown Meridian planned to sell three historic hotels, close the employee training school, and convert the Grand Aurelia’s upper floors into private residences.
Victoria’s brother, Julian Mercer, would receive the consulting fee.
Richard read the side agreement for the first time.
His signature appeared on the cover page.
The employee cuts were buried in an appendix he had never received.
“You told me the buyer guaranteed every position,” he said.
Victoria remained calm.
“Business conditions change.”
“You changed the document.”
“I protected the transaction from your sentimentality.”
Richard looked toward the ballroom where hundreds of employees waited behind service doors.
May you like
For years, he believed he was the practical sibling and Clara had been the dreamer.
Now he understood practicality had become the word his family used whenever another person paid the price.
