Chapter 9: The $3.6 Billion Secret
The ballroom had become completely silent.
Mercer examined the paper.
His hands shook.
“I never thought I’d see this again.”
Victoria whispered, “Give that to me.”
Nobody moved.
Mercer looked toward my mother.
“Eleanor, Isabelle placed the original shareholder certificates into a protected family trust.”
Mom stared.
“She told me the records had been destroyed.”
“She lied to protect them.”
Mercer swallowed.
“The trust could only be accessed using the physical key and an authorization from Eleanor or her lawful descendants.”
Adrian looked toward me.
“Emma?”
Mercer nodded slowly.
“If the documents are authentic and enforceable, Emma may have a claim to controlling ownership of Harrington Holdings.”
Victoria screamed.
“NO!”
Several guests jumped.
She lunged toward the key.
Adrian stepped between us.
“Mother, stop!”
She pointed at me.
“That girl isn’t taking my company!”
My mother moved forward.
“Your company?”
Her voice was quiet.
But every person heard it.
“You spent twenty-four years living off something you stole from me.”
Victoria trembled.
Then she laughed.
“You have no proof!”
Mercer looked at her.
“Actually, Victoria, the original trust may be only part of the evidence.”
He reached into his briefcase.
And removed a thick folder.
“For eighteen months, I’ve been working with independent investigators to reconstruct the company’s ownership history.”
I stared at him.
“You knew?”
He nodded.
“Your mother contacted me after learning you were engaged to Adrian.
She feared Victoria would recognize her.”
Mom looked ashamed.
“I didn’t want to ruin your happiness.”
Mercer continued.
“The investigation has uncovered financial records, suspicious transfers, and evidence of attempts to conceal Eleanor’s ownership.”
Victoria looked toward the exits.
Two security officers were already standing nearby.
“You’re all making a terrible mistake,” she whispered.
But her voice no longer sounded powerful.
It sounded frightened.
