Chapter 10 - THE MOTHER WHO THOUGHT BLOOD MEANT OWNERSHIP
Linda’s deposition was worse.
She admitted she knew Eleanor owned shares.
She believed Eleanor should have sold them back after leaving the company.
Why?
“Because she wasn’t family.”
Then Claire married Daniel.
Did that make the shares acceptable?
Linda hesitated.
“Potentially.”
Claire stared.
So Eleanor’s ownership was illegitimate when outside the family.
Claire’s ownership became convenient if Claire remained obedient inside it.
Then Maya asked:
“Why did you say ‘learn your place’?”
Linda looked embarrassed.
“I was angry.”
“What place?”
Silence.
“Mrs. Bennett?”
Linda finally answered:
“As Daniel’s wife.”
Claire felt physically cold.
Maya continued:
“And what did that mean?”
“Support him.”
“Obey him?”
“I did not say that.”
“Did you laugh when he threatened her other hand?”
Linda looked down.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I thought he was bluffing.”
“Did Claire?”
No answer.
Then one old email surfaced.
Linda to Harold, after Eleanor’s death:
If Daniel marries Claire, at least the Reeves shares stay where they belong.
Claire stopped reading.
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The marriage had been love to her.
To Linda, it was also asset containment.
