Chapter 11 - THE DEAD UNCLE'S AUDIT
Robert’s old audit request focused on three vendor companies.
Two no longer existed.
One survived.
Pike Cultural Advisory.
Joanne Pike.
Meredith’s friend.
Claire went cold.
The same network Meredith used now had roots twelve years earlier.
Then Robert’s old notes listed payments to Preston-controlled entities.
Again:
Not obvious theft.
Management fees.
Consulting.
Real work mixed with undisclosed benefit.
Pattern.
Then Naomi found a handwritten note from Eleanor:
Preston believes family ownership excuses disclosure. He is wrong.
The exact philosophy Claire was fighting now.
Then Preston’s lawyers attacked the old file.
“Ancient allegations. No findings. No relevance.”
Partly true.
Naomi did not accuse Preston of causing Robert’s death.
She used the file to show governance concerns existed long before Claire’s supposed instability.
That mattered.
Then the board’s independent committee interviewed former executives.
One said Robert and Preston fought constantly.
Another said Robert planned to resign.
A third remembered Meredith warning:
“If Robert embarrasses Preston publicly, he’ll regret it.”
Ugly.
Not proof.
Then the old boating investigation file showed Robert’s blood alcohol level had been exaggerated in family statements.
Official level:
Below legal boating limit.
Family PR had described him as “severely intoxicated.”
Why?
To make the accident look simpler.
Preston said the family wanted privacy.
Possible.
Then one marina employee remembered Preston arriving before police finished securing Robert’s boat.
He removed a briefcase.
No chain.
No inventory.
Inside may have been financial records.
Again.
Documents disappearing after violence or death.
Claire felt sick.
Naomi said:
“We don’t turn pattern into certainty.”
Claire nodded.
That discipline had become her strength.
Then Austin requested settlement.
He offered to resign from the foundation and repay questionable fees if Claire supported him staying at Waverly Crown.
Preston opposed.
Meredith opposed.
Claire asked:
“Why are your parents against saving you?”
Austin laughed bitterly.
“Because if I admit conflict, I prove they knew.”
There.
May you like
Austin was not merely protected by his parents.
He was their shield.
