Chapter 3 - THE TWELVE-MILLION-DOLLAR GIRL
Laura’s attorney, Naomi Chen, read Emma’s trust until after midnight.
Emma’s biological mother, Rachel, had died when Emma was six.
Rachel’s family left Emma approximately $12 million in insurance proceeds and investments.
Ethan was natural guardian.
But major withdrawals required two fiduciaries because Rachel’s family did not fully trust him with large sums.
Laura eventually became the second fiduciary.
At fifteen, the trust gained authority to invest part of its principal in family businesses—if both fiduciaries agreed.
Naomi looked up.
“So Ethan needs you gone.”
Laura nodded.
Then they examined the $387,000 in supposed caregiver payments.
The money went to LB Care Services.
Laura had never heard of it.
Corporate records showed Charles Mercer’s law office as registered agent.
The money did not land in Laura’s bank.
It moved into a custodial account carrying Emma’s name.
Then out again.
Destination:
Bennett Rehabilitation Development Fund.
Naomi frowned.
“The caregiver payments were used as early investment capital.”
“In Emma’s own name?”
“Yes.”
Laura felt sick.
Ethan had shown Emma records that looked like Laura paid herself.
In reality, the money had been routed through Emma before entering Ethan’s new business.
Then Laura’s phone buzzed.
Emma.
A photograph appeared.
She had secretly taken it from Ethan’s desk.
BENNETT REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT FUND.
Initial capitalization target:
$10,000,000.
Source:
Emma Bennett Trust investment allocation.
Laura stared.
Ethan did not need a few hundred thousand dollars.
He needed nearly all of Emma’s available liquid trust capital.
Then Emma sent another message.
Dad says this will make me rich.
A second later:
Is he right?
Laura looked at Naomi.
May you like
The hardest part had just become clear.
Ethan’s plan might actually be profitable.
