Chapter 11 - DANIEL'S REAL INTEREST
Daniel had another problem.
Not criminal.
But serious.
His law firm had represented a potential buyer for one Whitmore logistics subsidiary.
He had not worked directly on the matter.
Still, he knew:
valuation discussions,
strategic interest,
possible divestiture.
If Sophie became successor, Daniel’s proximity created a conflict.
Did he plan to exploit it?
No evidence.
But one email between Daniel and Sophie raised concern.
DANIEL:
Once you’re in, we can finally stop your mother from sitting on dead assets.
SOPHIE:
One thing at a time.
Daniel argued:
“Dead assets means underperforming assets.”
Fair.
Then another message:
DANIEL:
Your mother trusts emotion. Boards trust numbers.
SOPHIE:
Then give me numbers.
That was not proof of a takeover.
But it showed ambition.
Sophie did want power.
She had simply packaged ambition as humility.
Eleanor felt foolish.
May you like
Then angry.
Then, reluctantly, impressed.
