Chapter 9 - GLORIA'S REAL PLAN
Gloria had always called herself practical.
In deposition, that became her defense.
She admitted wanting Claire’s interest centralized.
She admitted fearing an outsider-controlled veto.
Maya asked:
“Claire was your daughter-in-law for nine years. Why call her an outsider?”
Gloria answered:
“Marriage can end.”
Claire almost admired the honesty.
Then:
“So you planned for divorce?”
“I planned for risk.”
“Did Daniel tell you his marriage was failing?”
Gloria looked at him across the room.
“Yes.”
When?
Months before Claire knew about Rachel.
Then Maya showed the proposed buyout formula.
Gloria said:
“It was standard.”
It was not.
The formula valued trust units using book value rather than market value.
That could reduce Claire’s payout by millions.
Then a Gloria email:
Once Claire is rolled in, she can't hold the properties hostage.
Another:
If Daniel handles the personal side, we can resolve the financial side quietly.
Claire asked permission to speak.
Maya nodded.
“What does ‘personal side’ mean?”
Gloria stared.
“Your marriage.”
“Meaning Daniel should keep me calm?”
“Yes.”
“Keep me ignorant?”
“No.”
Maya placed Daniel’s message:
She doesn't even know she has it.
Gloria had no answer.
Then Claire asked:
“Did you know about Rachel?”
Gloria’s face changed.
“No.”
For once, Claire believed her.
Then another email proved Gloria found out only after Claire’s dinner reveal.
That meant Daniel had deceived his own mother too.
Gloria’s plan was ruthless.
Daniel’s was messier.
He was using the family financial scheme while hiding an affair with the lawyer executing it.
Then Gloria whispered after deposition:
“He has destroyed everything.”
Claire looked at her.
“No.”
Gloria frowned.
May you like
Claire continued:
“He exposed what was already there.”
