Chapter 8 - RICHARD'S SECRET INVESTIGATION
Richard had been investigating Daniel for six weeks.
Not the affair.
The finances.
A Harlow family accountant noticed Daniel requesting advance distributions using language tied to “residential restructuring.”
Richard asked questions.
Daniel became vague.
Then a private bank flagged a proposed credit application listing:
anticipated family trust liquidity.
No approval existed.
Richard hired forensic accountant Michael Brooks.
They found:
bridge-loan pressure,
pending personal guarantee,
cash transfers,
and emails discussing Claire’s residency.
That was why the black cars arrived.
Richard had planned to confront Daniel that evening.
He expected:
documents.
arguments.
lawyers.
Not a shattered crib.
Claire looked at her father.
“You knew something was happening and didn’t tell me?”
Richard said:
“I wanted proof.”
“You let me walk into that house blind.”
Silence.
He had.
Another powerful man deciding information should be managed for Claire.
Different motive.
Same paternalism.
Richard lowered his eyes.
May you like
“I was wrong.”
Claire was not ready to forgive him.
