The Name on Every Deed
Chapter 06 - The Name on Every Deed
Marcus Reed entered the library wearing the relaxed smile of a man who believed money could solve any problem.
He was in his sixties, silver-haired and impeccably dressed. He greeted Samuel as though they were meeting for lunch rather than confronting a conspiracy.
"Samuel, this has become unnecessarily dramatic," Marcus said. "Adrian made mistakes, but Hartwell needs stability. We can settle the financial issues privately."
Evelyn had met men like Marcus all her life. They called threats negotiations and theft opportunity.
"You offered Adrian two hundred million dollars for a hotel division worth nearly six hundred million," she said.
Marcus shrugged. "A distressed asset is worth what someone will pay."
"It was distressed because you and Adrian were creating false losses."
Adrian stepped between them. "You promised the board would support me."
Marcus's expression changed by barely a fraction. "I promised to consider supporting a qualified leader. Your behavior tonight suggests I was correct not to commit."
The betrayal struck Adrian harder than any accusation. He had risked his marriage and his freedom for a man who now treated him like an inconvenience.
Noah placed several property records on the table. "Mr. Reed also appears to believe he can acquire Halcyon House as part of the proposed transaction."
Marcus looked at Evelyn. "It would make an excellent private hotel."
Evelyn smiled for the first time that evening. "Then you should have read the deeds."
Halcyon House, the lake cottage, and the original Hartwell hotel were not company assets. Evelyn's mother had placed them in an irrevocable family trust decades earlier. The trust prohibited sale to an outside corporation and named Evelyn as primary beneficiary and co-trustee.
Adrian had never owned a single stone of the mansion.
The keys he threw at her opened property he had no legal right to control.
Samuel tapped the deed. "You planned to sell my daughter's home to Marcus, then use the money to cover the accounts you emptied."
Adrian sank into a chair.
Marcus remained standing. "These accusations require proof."
Celeste pointed toward the flash drive. "You sent Adrian the payment schedule yourself."
For the first time, Marcus lost his composure.
He turned toward the door, but two private security officers blocked his path. Noah explained that he was free to leave, although all relevant records had already been delivered to federal investigators. Marcus walked out without another word.
The library doors closed behind him.
Evelyn looked at the board. "We still have a company to save."
The chairwoman nodded. "Then we should vote."
Adrian lifted his head. "Evelyn, wait. Please don't take everything from me."
May you like
She thought of the keys sliding across the marble.
"You already threw away the only thing I would have protected," she said. "My trust."
