Chapter 7 - JUDITH'S COUNTERATTACK
Judith went to the press.
She told a local television reporter that Claire had “militarized the police against a grieving family.”
Grieving over what, exactly, remained unclear.
The divorce?
The gate?
The mansion they never owned?
Still, the story spread.
DIVORCED HEIRESS HAS EX-HUSBAND’S MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER PROPERTY DISPUTE.
Claire’s communications adviser wanted to respond immediately.
She refused.
“Wait for records.”
Judith gave two more interviews.
In the second, she made a mistake.
She claimed the Bennett family had “paid for extensive improvements” to the mansion and therefore possessed an equitable stake.
That opened the door to financial review.
Invoices showed the opposite.
The renovation work Judith referenced had been paid by Claire’s grandmother’s trust.
Andrew had occasionally selected contractors.
He had not funded them.
Then Judith claimed Andrew “personally guaranteed the east-wing restoration.”
The contractor produced the guarantee.
It was from Bennett Heritage Holdings.
The shell company.
The same company falsely claiming an interest in the mansion.
Judith had just publicly tied Andrew’s private financing vehicle to trust-owned property.
Mara called Claire.
“Tell your adviser she can answer now.”
Claire smiled faintly.
May you like
“Facts only.”
“Always.”
