Chapter 10 - The Number Was Bigger Than Anyone Knew
The $2.84 million included more than Bianca.
Payments to Graham-controlled entities.
Private club bills.
Vehicle leases.
Consulting fees.
Debt service.
Travel expenses.
A renovation at Genevieve’s country property.
Adrian had labeled many as business-development expenses.
They were not.
Graham stared at the report.
“This is absurd.”
Priya answered calmly.
“Every figure is sourced.”
Genevieve pointed at me.
“You let Adrian manage expenses.”
“Yes.”
I said.
“Not steal.”
Adrian flinched.
“Don’t use that word.”
“Which word would you prefer?”
“Family support?”
He looked furious.
“I never took money for myself.”
Priya opened another page.
Watch purchases.
Hotel charges.
Bianca’s apartment lease.
Private dinners.
Adrian stopped talking.
Genevieve’s eyes moved toward him.
Apparently even she had not known everything.
That was the first crack between them.
“You paid her rent?”
She asked.
Adrian said nothing.
Genevieve stared at Bianca’s payments.
Then at her son.
“You told me she was temporary.”
I almost laughed.
The great matriarch had discovered she was not the only strategist in the family.
Adrian snapped.
“This is not about Bianca.”
“It became about Bianca when you put her in Isla’s chair.”
Elodie said.
Genevieve looked at her daughter.
“Do not start.”
“I already did.”
Then Graham reached for the audit.
His face had gone gray.
“Where did you get these records?”
“My company.”
I answered.
“Apparently everyone forgot that part.”
Graham stood.
“This meeting is over.”
Marisol stayed seated.
“No.”
She placed another envelope on the table.
“You have been formally notified of civil claims involving misrepresentation and unauthorized use of corporate funds.”
Genevieve’s glass slipped from her hand.
It hit the floor and cracked.
No one moved.
The sound echoed through the empty ballroom.
For years, she had taught us that public silence protected the Arden name.
May you like
Now there was no audience.
And still, nobody knew what to say.
