Chapter 7 - THE CFO WHO LOVED HER FATHER
Howard Price had known Samantha since she was twelve.
He attended her graduation.
Her wedding.
Her father’s funeral.
When James Carter died, Howard stayed beside Samantha during the first brutal year of leadership.
He taught her which lenders were dangerous.
Which executives lied.
Which numbers mattered.
Samantha trusted him almost as much as she once trusted Derek.
So when Naomi asked whether Howard knew her father’s master credentials, Samantha said:
“Yes.”
Immediately.
No hesitation.
Marcus confirmed Howard had administrator-recovery authority before James died.
Howard denied using the account.
“I haven’t touched James’s credentials in years.”
“Can you prove it?”
“No.”
Honest.
Then he surprised Samantha.
“I think Derek used them.”
Derek had worked closely with Howard on IT consolidation after James’s death.
He may have learned the recovery process.
Howard handed over his devices voluntarily.
Clean.
Almost too clean.
Meanwhile, Blackridge’s offer to buy Carter assets remained active.
Howard urged the board to consider it.
Samantha stared.
“You think we should sell to the company Derek owns?”
“I think we should evaluate every offer.”
“Howard.”
“The company is overleveraged.”
“So you agree with Derek.”
“I agree with math.”
That sounded like her father.
Then Howard said:
“Your father worried you would protect symbols instead of value.”
Samantha stiffened.
“What does that mean?”
“The Lamborghini. The legacy properties. The old racing division.”
“You’re comparing my company to a car?”
“I’m saying you inherited memories and assets at the same time.”
Cruel.
Maybe true.
Howard left.
Naomi looked at Samantha.
“He may not be involved.”
“But?”
“He believes you’re wrong.”
That could be more dangerous.
Then Marcus called.
They had identified the hidden eighty-percent owner of Blackridge.
Not Derek.
Not Howard.
A trust called JP Legacy.
Beneficiary:
Jonathan Price.
Howard’s son.
Samantha stopped breathing.
Howard had told the truth.
May you like
He did not own Blackridge.
His son did.
