Chapter 3 - THE CLAUSE AT MIDNIGHT
Daniel and Michael spent the next hour in their father’s study.
Sophia remained downstairs with relatives.
Nobody called police yet.
Michael wanted facts first.
That alone infuriated Sophia.
Daniel opened the family trust.
“Section nineteen.”
Michael read.
“If an acting trustee becomes subject to credible allegations of felony misconduct or sexual violence, authority may be temporarily suspended pending independent review.”
Michael looked up.
“So?”
Daniel continued.
“Who takes over?”
Michael read the next line.
“The remaining family trustee.”
Him.
For seventy-two hours.
Silence.
Daniel said:
“What happens at nine tomorrow?”
Michael’s face changed.
NorthBridge.
The $240 million asset sale required trust approval.
Daniel had planned to vote no.
Michael yes.
Deadlock.
If Daniel were suspended, Michael controlled the vote alone.
Sophia could create exactly that condition.
Michael shook his head.
“You think she did this for the deal?”
“I think she knew the clause.”
“She’s my wife.”
“And?”
Michael’s eyes hardened.
“Careful.”
Daniel leaned back.
“Ask yourself why she chose tonight.”
Michael did.
Then Charles Keene entered the study.
Family attorney.
Sixty.
Perfect gray hair.
Calm voice.
“I heard there has been an incident.”
Daniel stared at him.
“How?”
“Half your family is downstairs.”
Fair.
Charles read the clause.
Then said:
“It does not activate automatically.”
Daniel looked at him.
“No?”
“Not merely from an accusation.”
Relief.
Then Charles continued.
“Unless there is a police report.”
Michael and Daniel both froze.
From downstairs came Sophia’s voice.
Speaking to someone.
Daniel moved to the door.
Too late.
A patrol car had just arrived outside.
May you like
Sophia had called police.
And the clock to midnight had already started.
